Jan's Plans & Pans - October 14, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

One week ago, Hamas launched a horrific attack against Israel, committing unspeakable terrorism and inflicting the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. As a Jew, this is extremely painful and personal for me. We must all stand united and unequivocally condemn the vicious attack carried out by Hamas. 

I strongly agree with President Joe Biden's sentiment that, “democracies like Israel and the United States are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law.” Israel has the right to defend its people and respond to these gruesome attacks, but Israel’s response must take into account the millions of innocent civilians in Gaza who themselves are victims of Hamas and are suffering the consequences of their terror campaign. I led 55 of my colleagues in a letter urging the United States to ensure adherence to international humanitarian law, protection of innocent civilians in Gaza, and full humanitarian assistance.

I extend my deepest condolences to the families of all those killed, my hopes for recovery for the countless who are wounded, and pray for the safe and immediate return of all hostages taken.

Take care,

Schakowsky Celebrates Comprehensive Action on Junk Fees

Junk fees deceive consumers and raise prices. This week, President Joe Biden and the Federal Trade Commission took action to end surprise fees. It was great to be at the White House to celebrate this win for consumers.

Schakowsky Visits Glenbrook North High School, a 2023 Blue Ribbon Award Recipient

I had a fantastic time celebrating Glenbrook North High School's 2023 National Blue Ribbon Award with their students and staff! Glenbrook North was one of 353 schools across the nation to receive a 2023 Blue Ribbon Award. 

Education is the backbone of our democracy and Glenbrook North is playing an integral role in shaping the minds of the next generation of leaders.

Upcoming Neighborhood Office Hours with Constituent Advocates

The Constituent Advocates in my Skokie office are here to help constituents who need assistance with federal agencies or issues including: Social Security, Medicare, passports, immigration, the IRS, the VA, and the USPS. Call my office, 773-506-7100, to speak with a Constituent Advocate and get help with your case.

If you would like to meet with a Constituent Advocate in person, my Skokie office located at 4500 Oakton Street is open Monday-Friday from 9 AM-5 PM. If Skokie is not convenient for you, my staff hold neighborhood office hours at the libraries listed below:

Outreach Calendar

Register for the 2023 Congressional App Challenge!

My District office worked with the local Social Security office to help a constituent get a Medicare enrollment late fee waived after she received bad advice from a former employer

Three years ago, Kate was 65 and getting ready to retire. She consulted her employer’s benefits department for advice on what to do about Medicare. Kate carried the insurance for herself, her husband, and their 23-year-old daughter, and when she retired, she wanted to make sure that everyone had insurance coverage. Kate was told by her company that she did not need to sign up for Medicare until her daughter turned 26 and was on her own insurance. 

Three years later, when Kate’s daughter was about to turn 26, she went to her local Social Security Administration office to sign up for Medicare. She discovered that not only would she and her husband have to pay a steep penalty for what was considered late enrollment into Medicare; but they would have to wait to sign up until the General Enrollment Period the following year. 

Kate came to our office very upset since she had done everything right and now, due to some very bad advice from her former employer, she would be without insurance for at least four months and would incur a permanent late enrollment penalty on she and her husband’s Medicare premiums. Our office was able to help Kate utilize a special enrollment period to enroll into Medicare and also waive the late fee because of the incorrect information she was given. Thanks to the help of my office, Kate will save nearly $800 every year for the rest of her life.

Assistance for U.S. Citizens in Israel 

If you or someone you know is in Israel and needs assistance returning home:

• Submit a Privacy Release Form in order to open a case with my office. This form tells the Department of State that we have permission to be assist you.
  • In the description box please include all relevant details about the situation, such as current location and the full names of everyone in the group. Once we have received the case, we will send this information to the Department of State.
• Submit the Department of State's Crisis Intake Form.
• Enroll in the Department of State's Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• Call the Department of State directly at 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131

Please monitor the Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information as the situation is evolving and changing quickly.

Sign Up for the Affordable Connectivity Program

Thanks to President Joe Biden's Infrastructure Law, families are gaining access to the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. Eligible households can receive a monthly discount for internet service and a one-time discount for a personal tech device.

The Federal Communication Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households $30/month off internet bills, in addition to a one-time discount of up to $100 on personal devices.

To find out how to take advantage, visit GetInternet.gov.

Passport Renewal

Current processing times for passports are: 10-13 weeks for routine and 5-7 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.