Jan's Plans & Pans - May 27, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the projected debt ceiling deadline is extended to June 5, four days later than previously estimated. In the meantime, Kevin McCarthy and the Republicans in Congress are still pushing for cruel budget cuts that will harm millions of Americans. One of my GOP colleagues even said that Republicans "don't feel like negotiating with their hostage." The lives of Americans are not a game. The GOP must stop holding the most vulnerable among us hostage. Democrats in Congress will continue to fight back against these awful proposals.

As we approach the looming debt ceiling deadline, I promise to keep you updated with the latest information.

Sincerely,

Schakowsky Continues to Highlight Janet's Story, a Constituent Who Would be Harmed by a Debt Default 

At a Progressive Caucus press conference this week, I once again shared Janet's story. 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 Lymphedema Advocates and Patients

It was truly an honor to join advocates, patients, and Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01)
to celebrate the passage of our bill, the Lymphedema Treatment Act. Thanks to its passage, millions of Lymphedema patients will get the compression garments they need.

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.