Jan's Plans & Pans - November 21, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

Toys should bring joy to kids, not harm. For 38 years, the Illinois PIRG Education Fund (PIRG) has released the Trouble in Toyland report, which has resulted in federal legislation and many corrective actions by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and toy manufacturers.

As a longtime consumer advocate in Congress, who most recently passed legislation to help prevent the sale of stolen, dangerous, and counterfeit products online, I am proud to continue my work with Illinois PIRG to improve the safety of toys and other children's products.

This year’s report, which focuses on smart toys, is extremely timely given the rise of artificial intelligence. Protections must be put in place to safeguard the privacy and personal information of consumers. 

We must reign in the excessive power of companies and further empower the CPSC to improve product safety and better protect consumers and children. To report a dangerous product or to check if a product has been recalled, go to SaferProducts.gov.

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, I want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and safe Thanksgiving!

Take care,

Schakowsky Celebrates Second Anniversary of President Joe Biden's Infrastructure Law 

Last Wednesday marked the second anniversary of President Joe Biden's historic Infrastructure Law! The Infrastructure Law’s impact on our community will be felt for generations to come, and I am proud to have voted for it.

Let’s take a closer look at how this historic legislation is impacting Illinois’ 9th Congressional District!

Buffalo Grove

• $1.09 million to upgrade a part of IL-83.
  

Crystal Lake

• $1.5 million to reconstruct parts of Route 176.
  

Evanston

• $1.73 million to improve Main Street.
• $552,000 for traffic signals and pedestrian accessibility improvements on Ridge Avenue.
• $143,000 to upgrade Dempster Street.
• $3 million to help develop a direct air clean capture hub that will help remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and combat the effects of climate change.

Glenview 

• $2.4 million to resurface significant parts of Chestnut Avenue.
• $226,000 to perform maintenance on the bridge along Willow Road that goes above the tracks near Patriot Boulevard.

Lake in the Hills

• $212,000 to help improve Pingree Road. 
• $295,000 for updates to the Lake in the Hills Airport.

Lincolnwood

• $596,000 for updated roads in Lincolnwood.

Prospect Heights

• $382,000 to resurface Old Willow Road.
  

• $103,000 to update Gross Point Road and install new traffic lights to increase safety.
• $341,000 to improve and develop bridges along the Skokie Valley Trail.

Wilmette

• $432,000 to resurface Wilmette Avenue.

Entire State of Illinois

• $1 billion to improve internet access.
• $117 million to maintain and upgrade the Metra Commuter Railroad.
• $100.4 million to implement clean school buses and public buses, keeping our streets cleaner and our kids healthier.
• $280 million to help ensure that we have clean, safe drinking water free from harmful PFAS chemicals.
• $22 million for electric charging stations to help ensure that consumers can reliably power their cars across the state.

If you’re interested in learning more about how the law is working for you, you can find more info here.

Schakowsky Visits the Site of the CTA Yellow Line Crash

Last Friday, I toured the site of the horrific Yellow Line train crash. I want to thank Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy and her team at the National Transportation Safety Board for their outstanding leadership and swift action. I have full confidence they will get to the bottom of what happened. Wishing all involved a speedy recovery.

Schakowsky, Safety Advocates Warn Consumers About Dangerous Toys Ahead of Holiday Shopping Season

As the Ranking Member of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over consumer protection issues, I will continue fighting to keep dangerous products, like water beads and button batteries, out of kids' hands.

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.