Jan's Plans & Pans - May 2, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

The Constitution makes it very clear that it is the duty of the United States to pay its debts. Nowhere in the Constitution does it justify sending our economy into a tailspin to avoid paying our bills. My Republican colleagues were content when Donald Trump raised the debt ceiling three times and gave the wealthiest Americans $2 trillion in tax cuts, but for some reason they have a problem with families trying to put food on the table and veterans trying to access health care. We cannot let extremist Republicans hold our economy hostage. We must lift the debt ceiling and protect all Americans from an economic nightmare.

This is 2023 and the United States Constitution still does not provide women with the same rights as men. Last week, I marched to the Senate floor with some of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment. Every single day, we see the inequities that women face. Women still do not earn equal pay for equal work. Women's products are often priced higher than other products. Women still face pregnancy discrimination. It would make a tangible difference to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. The fight is not over until we guarantee equal rights for all Americans.

Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month! During AANHPI Heritage Month, in my district and all across the US, we celebrate the vibrant history, culture, and traditions of AANHPI communities. We must stand united in the face of bigotry and uplift our AANHPI communities.

If you are in my district and need help navigating the Social Security Administration, looking into an immigration case, obtaining a passport, or need assistance with the IRS, my office is here to help. Head to my website for further assistance and information.

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Upcoming Meet & Greet with
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky 

One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet with so many thoughtful and engaged constituents. Join me Monday, May 8, 2023, at 6:00 PM CT, for a meet and greet at the Algonquin Historic Village Hall. My fantastic staff and I pride ourselves on our constituent services. Come learn how we can best assist you! If you have not done so already, please click here to register. 

Schakowsky Speaks with Modern Healthcare About Safe Staffing Standards in Hospitals and Nursing Homes

Numerous studies have shown that safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios result in higher quality care for patients, lower health care costs, and an overall better workplace for nurses. For years, I have talked to exhausted nurses who have said they go home at night, wondering if they forgot to turn a patient because they were stretched far too thin. The need for federal safe staffing standards is about nurses, patients, and everyone’s lives. Click here to read a transcript of my full interview.

Schakowsky Meets with President of the NCAA

It was great welcoming NCAA President Charlie Baker to my office! As a leader on the
Energy and Commerce Committee, it was important for us to meet and discuss how we can best work together to ensure every student athlete has the resources they need to succeed.

Beware of Scams and Frauds

This is just a friendly reminder to please report anything you think may be a fraud, scam, or bad business practice.

Reporting Medicare Fraud and Abuse

Medicare fraud and abuse can happen anywhere, and usually results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone. One of the best ways to detect this type of fraud is to read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or your insurance’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB). If you find a claim or charge for something that you did not receive, is different than what you received, or was not medically necessary, this may be a sign of potential fraud. Please call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if you think you have experienced fraud.

Reporting Mail Fraud and Postal Fraud

If you are a victim of a stolen, forged, or altered check, you can report this to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by filling out and submitting the Mail Fraud Complaint Form. You may also call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service hotline at 1-800-372-8347 to file a complaint about suspected mail fraud.

Reporting General Frauds, Scams, and Bad Business Practices

For ideas about what you might report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), check out consumer.ftc.gov for more information and advice.

Free COVID-19 Tests Available

Thanks to the Biden administration, you can now get four more free Covid-19 at-home test kits delivered to your door. You can order online via the federally run website COVIDTests.gov. Orders will be mailed by USPS, starting this week.

To receive the kits, you only need to provide a U.S. residential address when ordering. You can register your email address for delivery updates, but that is optional.

If you cannot access the internet or need help placing an order, call 1-800-232-0233 to get help in English, Spanish and more than 150 other languages. Call between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT, Monday to Friday and between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT on weekends.