Jan's Plans & Pans - November 7, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

I recently became aware of two alarming and hateful acts in my district. The first incident occurred late last week in the Devonshire neighborhood of Skokie when numerous ‘We Stand with Israel’ signs were vandalized and shredded apart. The second display occurred at a rally in Evanston on Saturday where the antisemitic Hamas flag was flaunted. I wholeheartedly condemn these actions.

I am appalled that a simple statement like ‘We Stand with Israel,’ meant to symbolize love and peace, would attract so much hate. The 9th Congressional District is one of the most diverse districts in the nation and is also home to one of the largest groups of Holocaust survivors. Our diversity is our strength. In my meetings with both Jewish and Muslim community members, constituents have mentioned being afraid to go about their normal daily activities, let alone speak out about current events. Any attempt to intimidate or harass a fellow community member will not be tolerated.

Further, it is important that we recognize Hamas for what it is, a terrorist organization whose stated purpose is the destruction of the State of Israel and the murder of Jewish people. Hamas does not stand for peace or acceptance, and it certainly doesn’t stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination.

As a Jewish American, this is extremely personal for me. I have always supported the existence of a Jewish and democratic state of Israel and believe Israel has a right to defend itself and its citizens, but at the same time, I have always adamantly supported justice for Palestinians, an end to the occupation, and a two-state solution guaranteeing the rights of all.

All Americans deserve to feel safe in this country and in our community, and I will continue fighting every single day until the vile ideologies of antisemitism and islamophobia - and hatred in all forms - are cast aside once and for all.

Take care,

Schakowsky Leads Over 100 Colleagues in Urging Administration to Strengthen and Finalize Nursing Home Safe Staffing Standards

Every person in the United States deserves to age with dignity and access to quality long-term care. For years, I have championed a provision that would ensure that registered nurses are available 24/7 in nursing facilities. I am happy to see that the Biden Administration has incorporated this provision into the proposed rule for minimum nursing staffing standards. This is a welcome first step, but we must go further.

Congressman Lloyd Doggett and I are urging the Biden Administration to strengthen and finalize the rule to set the minimum nursing staffing standard to 4.2 hours of total direct care, which includes requirements for a total staffing minimum and a standard for licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants. Let me make this clear - nurse staffing standards save lives and strengthen the workforce. Let’s get it done!

Schakowsky Learns About Avery's Helpful Hair Kits!

Last week, I met with Avery Jenkins, an 8-year-old constituent who has been putting together hair kits with products and tools for highly-textured hair to give to foster children. Avery told me that she wants them to feel good about their hair, and themselves. I am so proud of you, Avery, and the difference you are making!

Schakowsky Meets with Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Junghan Kim

I had the opportunity to meet with Junghan Kim, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago. We discussed our great Korean-American community in the 9th Congressional District, and how we can help our nations continue to work together as important trade partners.  

My District Office helped a constituent receive his green card after a years long process

“I want to express my sincere gratitude for the invaluable assistance and support Rep. Schakowsky’s office provided through my immigration journey. Their tireless efforts in advocating for my case were instrumental in making the achievement of receiving my green card possible. Their dedication, responsiveness, and understanding of the importance of my situation made a significant difference in the outcome. I deeply appreciate the time and resources Rep. Schakowsky’s office dedicated to ensuring a positive resolution.

"Receiving my green card is not just a legal status; it represents a new chapter in my life filled with opportunities, stability, and the ability to contribute even more to the community I now call home. Your support played a crucial role in making this dream a reality.” - Saab

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: 7-10 weeks for routine and 3-5 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.