Jan's Plans & Pans - May 23, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

I wish I could tell you that we have reached an agreement on raising the debt ceiling, which is really agreeing to continue paying the debts of the United States, but Republicans continue to insist on massive budget cuts. Cuts which, among many things, would strip health care from thousands of America’s veterans, seniors, and children. The Republicans in Congress are holding our economy and the American people hostage.

Democrats have signed a discharge petition, which is a way to bypass regular procedures in the House, to force a vote on lifting the debt ceiling. We need a simple majority, in other words, five Republicans, to join us for this bill to be brought to the floor and voted on. Further, I joined 65 of my Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden urging him to use his powers under the 14th Amendment to allow the Treasury to continue paying our debts instead of accepting a bad deal from Republicans. The American people are counting on us.

For my entire life, I have supported Medicare for All because every person deserves access to affordable, quality, and comprehensive health care. I joined U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06) to celebrate the introduction of the Medicare for All Act. Today, over 85 million people are either uninsured or underinsured. Health care is a human right. We must pass the Medicare for All Act to ensure that all Americans can access the health care they need.

Have a great rest of the week,

Schakowsky Highlights Janet's Story, a Constituent Who Would be Harmed by a Debt Default 

Meet Janet! She is from the Uptown neighborhood in Chicago. She is on Social Security Disability because she suffers from a chronic mental illness. She wants to work but cannot. Republicans holding our economy hostage puts her only income at risk. There are millions of Janets around the United States. We must protect Janet, and everyone else who may be harmed.

Schakowsky Joins Local Veteran Embarking on Cross-Country Bike Trip

I joined Timothy Davis, an Air Force veteran from Lake Zurich, in Washington, D.C. as he prepared to embark on a cross-country Rails-to-Trails bike trip designed to promote physical and mental wellness. Wishing Timothy and the rest of his crew of veterans all the best on their 3,700 mile journey!

Schakowsky Visits 5th Grade Students at Sunset Ridge in Northfield

I had a great time last week meeting with 5th Grade students at Sunset Ridge School in Northfield. These students wrote to me addressing a variety of topics from gun control, to the environment, to the funding of school sports. I had the opportunity to answer their questions about issues they care about! I reminded them that even though they cannot yet vote, their voices matter and they are always welcome to call my offices or write to me!

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." 

Passport Renewal

As the summer travel season approaches, be sure to check your passport before you book travel! Current processing times for passports are 10-13 weeks for routine cases and 7-9 weeks for expedited cases. These times are subject to change and are posted on the Dept. of State Website. Please remember that emergency in-person appointments at the Chicago Passport Agency are intended for emergencies and availability is not guaranteed unless it is a life or death emergency!

Did you know that some countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your date of travel? Depending on your destination, validity requirements can extend for 3 to 6 months beyond the date of travel! You can check the requirements for your destination on the Dept. of State Website under "International Travel" and "Country Information."

If you have planned travel and have a pending application that may not arrive on time, or if you need an emergency appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency, the Constituent Advocates in my District Office are happy to help! Please call the office at 773-506-7100, or you can open a case with my office online. 

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.