Jan's Plans & Pans - July 5, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

Last week, the Supreme Court handed down a series of misguided rulings that will make it harder for individuals to achieve the American dream. These rulings—on affirmative action, LGBTQIA+ rights, and student loans—are the result of a corrupt, right-wing majority on the Supreme Court that is working against the wishes and interests of the American people.

First, the court ruled on Thursday that colleges and universities may not consider race in admissions decisions, effectively ending affirmative action in higher education. Eliminating affirmative action—a program designed to help level the playing field—puts students of color at a disadvantage. This is unacceptable; all students deserve a chance.

Then, on Friday, the rogue, extremist justices ruled that businesses can refuse to serve LGBTQIA+ individuals. This is the first time in history that the Supreme Court has given businesses the right to discriminate against a protected class, and it is a dangerous and shameful step backward.

Lastly, in their final ruling of the term, the court struck down President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan. This reckless decision means that tens of millions of Americans will remain burdened with debt, forced to choose between defaulting and putting food on the table.

I am deeply disappointed by these unjust decisions, and I will continue to do everything I can in Congress to ensure that all Americans can prosper.

Take care,

Schakowsky Meets With McHenry County Officials

I had a great time in McHenry county with State Rep. Suzanne Ness and the Barrington Area Council of Governments!

Hearing from our local officials always helps me determine how I can best serve our local communities and provide needed federal assistance.

Schakowsky Joins Independence Day Celebrations

Every Fourth of July, I march in as many parades as I can. This Independence Day, I participated in the Prospect Heights, Skokie, and Evanston parades. I loved every minute of it. The patriotism and pride, the recognition of our service members, the families dressed in red, white, and blue honoring the country they love was a beautiful sight.

As we celebrate our independence, we must continue fighting for a nation where all people can prosper.

Upcoming Neighborhood Office Hours

Passport Renewal

As the summer travel season approaches, be sure to check your passport before you book travel! This year, the U.S. State Department has seen an unprecedented number of passport applications. To put things into perspective, last year, my office assisted with 422 passport cases. Since January of this year, my office has already handled 529 passport cases. 

Current processing times for passports are: 10-13 weeks for routine and 7-9 weeks for expedited. These times are subject to change and are posted on the Dept. of State Website.  Please apply well in advance of your travel date – if your travel date is sooner than the current processing times, you may not get your passport in time for travel.

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! These appointments are not and have never been intended for routine renewal. If you have upcoming travel you should NOT plan on receiving an appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency. Passport renewals are intended to go through the mail.

Did you know that many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your date of travel? Depending on your destination, validity requirements can vary from 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.