Jan's Plans & Pans - November 14, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

I just left the House floor where I voted in favor of a continuing resolution to keep our government open and fully funded into January. This continuing resolution funds our government at fiscal year 2023 levels with no spending cuts. Today’s vote is not only a victory for the Democrats, who worked diligently to avoid a catastrophic government shutdown, but most importantly for the American people.

Yet again, House Republicans took us to the brink of a shutdown, which would have forced our troops to work without pay, harmed small businesses, risked air travel disruptions right before the holidays, endangered access to food assistance for nearly seven million mothers and their children, and so much more. Not only would a shutdown have hurt working families, but it would also have damaged our economy and endangered our national security.

House Republicans’ inability to govern on their own was on full display today. There were 93 Republicans who voted in favor of a government shutdown. The continuing resolution would not have passed without Democratic support. House Democrats remain steadfast in our efforts to protect the American people and we will continue to work towards a long-term, bipartisan budget agreement that does not include extraneous and extreme right-wing policy provisions.

Be well,

Schakowsky Pushes Back on Medicare Advantage Nursing Home Denials

Medicare Advantage plans are overcharging US taxpayers $140 billion per year. If that money went to traditional Medicare, it would be enough to cover dental, hearing, and vision for every senior over 65. Private, for-profit insurance, also known as Medicare Advantage, is not Medicare!

Schakowsky Sits Down with White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention

No one should have to fear losing their life at school, the grocery store, a place of worship, a parade, or anywhere in-between. It was great to meet with the newly formed White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to discuss efforts to keep the Chicago community safe.

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.