Jan's Plans & Pans - May 16, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

The United States is now on track to set a record in 2023 for mass killings. Just last week, a neo-Nazi with an arsenal of firearms killed eight people and wounded seven others at a Dallas-area shopping mall. These tragic mass shootings are in addition to the everyday shootings that we continue to see. We need action now. As a proud member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, I have had conversations with my Republicans to see if there is anything at all they could agree to. We need universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons, and so much more. We are not giving up, and neither are the advocates all across the country.

For nearly one year, the City of Chicago has sheltered and provided resources for thousands of immigrants sent to our community as part of a dehumanizing political stunt orchestrated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. We are a nation of immigrants. Illinois prides itself on being a welcoming state, but we need more resources. I am appreciative that Chicago received $5.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Emergency Funding Shelter Program in 2022, but the city has spent $75 million on resources for migrants overall. I am joining my colleagues in calling on FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to ensure Chicago receives the resources necessary to care for these migrants.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! It is important that we remind each other that it is okay to ask for help. We must ensure that mental health programs receive the funding they deserve. Call or text 988 if you need assistance. You are not alone!

Take care,

Schakowsky Fires Back at Republicans' Attempt to Cut Veterans Benefits

My Republican colleagues called last week's Budget Committee Hearing "Exposing the Woke, Wasteful, and Bloated Bureaucracy." Hiring enough nurses to care for our veterans is not "woke" and "wasteful." Veterans had our backs, we owe it to them to have theirs.

Schakowsky Hosts Community Meet and Greet Events

I had a great time last week meeting with constituents from Lake and McHenry County at a Meet and Greet in Algonquin, Illinois. My district staff and I were there to share with constituents about the many ways my office can help when it comes to navigating federal agencies. Whether you are urgently in need of a passport, received the wrong amount in benefits from the Social Security Administration, or need help looking in to your immigration case, we are here to help! Head to my website for more information.

My staff and I have enjoyed meeting the new constituents from Lake and McHenry County. Last month, we held a Meet and Greet in Cary, Illinois. Stay tuned, we plan to hold more of these events in communities all across the 9th Congressional District in the months to come! 

Upcoming Neighborhood Office Hours

An immigration attorney that was representing constituents and working with a Constituent Advocate in my District Office wrote:

"In late 2019, Mr. and Mrs. T had been waiting 3 ½ years for an interview on their application for political asylum. They were anxious to complete their interview so their 9 year-old daughter could join them in the U.S. When they fled their country 4 years earlier, in fear for their lives, they left their daughter in the care of her grandmother and great-grandmother.

"After the couple was granted asylum in early 2021, Rep. Schakowsky’s office asked USCIS to give expedited treatment to their petition for their daughter to join them in the U.S. as soon as possible. While that petition was pending, they learned that their daughter was seriously ill. With the help of Rep. Schakowsky, Mrs. T was able to get a travel document so she could go be with her daughter immediately.  

"Rep. Schakowsky’s office then worked with USCIS and the State Department to expedite the processing of their daughter’s visa, as well as a tourist visa for the daughter’s doctor, who flew to the U.S. to ensure the daughter’s safety and comfort during the flight, and mother, daughter, and doctor arrived safely in the U.S. in January 2022. Thanks to Rep. Schakowsky’s unwavering support, the daughter has been receiving cutting-edge medical and therapeutic treatment at one of the world’s best pediatric hospitals, and she is expected to make a full recovery." 

IRS Grant Opportunities for Organizations

The IRS is accepting applications for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grants. These grants help eligible organizations provide free federal tax return prep assistance. For more info, please see here.