A look back at November and info on new energy cost-saving benefits

Dear friend,

Welcome to my November wrap-up newsletter. I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving, and I wish you a safe and healthy holiday season.

Right before Thanksgiving, we passed another Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government open and prevent a shutdown. This CR only extends funding until early next year, and we will be busy the next few weeks addressing our funding priorities. This includes negotiating a supplemental spending package with additional money for cities welcoming migrants, and it is my priority to ensure Chicago and Illinois receive adequate funding.

I welcomed the news late last month of a temporary ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the release of hostages. We must continue to call for a lasting ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

At the bottom of this email you will find information on upcoming events in the district, federal assistance now available for individuals impacted by September flooding, and cost-saving energy benefits available thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.

Immigration Panel

Immigrants make crucial contributions to this country, only to be met with a broken system that turns its back on them. I joined community and elected leaders at KAM Isaiah Israel for a conversation on immigration reform and ways we can collectively support recent and long-term immigrants.

Work Permits Event

The last time we passed immigration reform was 36 years ago. And for decades many of our immigrant sisters and brothers have been waiting for permanent immigration reform including work permits, and the stability and opportunity they bring. I met with advocates who traveled to Washington, DC to call on President Biden to take executive action and extend work permits for all.

Veterans Day Breakfast

I hosted a Veterans Day breakfast and resource fair in North Riverside.

It was a joy to spend the morning with veterans in our community and share about our work in Congress to improve access to health care and expand services that are responsive to the needs of veterans.

Green New Deal Event

I welcomed grassroots organizers, climate movement leaders, artists, and public officials to Little Village to call on President Biden to make the Green New Deal a priority. Congress must pass transformative legislative change to address the climate emergency.

Congressman chats with attendees and speakers

Spring 2024 Internship

We are now accepting applications for paid spring interns in my Washington, DC and District offices!

The deadline to apply for an internship in my Washington, DC office is Sunday, December 10th at 11:59pm CT. For more information and to apply, click here.

The deadline to apply for an internship in my District offices is January 7th at 11:59pm CT. For more information and to apply, click here.

FEMA Assistance for September Flooding

Cook County residents affected by the September flooding can now apply for disaster assistance from FEMA. Residents are eligible for assistance with temporary housing, basic home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses. To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

Please note, individual assistance applications for summer flooding are now closed. If you have already submitted an application related to summer flooding and have questions, you can call the number above or reach out to my office.

Inflation Reduction Act Consumer Energy Benefits

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act Democrats in Congress passed last year, there are new energy cost-saving benefits available right now, including:

30% back for the cost of many clean energy upgrades to your home, including solar panels, water heaters, and battery storage, no matter the price.
Up to $1,200 to add insulation, install new exterior windows and doors, or other improvements that increase the energy efficiency of your home.
Up to $2,000 for a new heat pump (which can provide efficient air conditioning and heating) as well as a heat-pump water heater.
30% off the cost of installing a new electric vehicle charger if you live in a rural or underserved community.

Starting on January 1st, up to $7,500 in savings will be available right at point of sale when you buy a new electric vehicle and up to $4,000 for a used one. You’ll be able to get these credits at your car dealership, which means the discount will come right off the sticker price when you buy your EV.

You can visit this site to see a full list of benefits and find out which are currently available to best help you and your household.

Upcoming Events

December 9th: Town Hall in Southwest Chicago
I’m excited to announce my upcoming town hall at Daley College. Doors open at 11am and the program will begin at 11:30am. Come and ask a question, let me know how I can help you, and learn about the work I’ve been doing in DC. Space is limited, please RSVP here.

December 9th: Citizenship Workshop
Ready to become a U.S. Citizen? Join us for our monthly Citizenship Workshop. This workshop is by appointment only. To register, call 773-475-0833 or 773-342-0774.

¿Listo para convertirse en ciudadano estadounidense? ¡Acompáñanos el sábado a un taller de ciudadanía! Este taller es solo con cita previa. Para registrarse llame al 773-475-0833 o al 773-342-0774.

December 14th: Oak Brook Satellite Office Hours
My team will be at the Oak Brook Village Hall (1200 Oak Brook Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523) from 9am to 4pm to help you navigate federal agencies and answer questions on Social Security, VA Benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and much more.

December 21st: End of Year Open House
You’re invited to our Holiday Open House and Meet & Greet. Join me and my team at our Melrose Park office (125 N. 19th Ave Melrose Park, IL 60160) and learn about the constituent services we offer and the work we are doing at the federal level. Doors open at 4:30pm.

Need Help with a Federal Agency?

Our office has a dedicated team of caseworkers that assist constituents with many federal services. Some services we can help with:

Social Security claims
Medicare and Medicaid claims
Passport requests
SBA loans
Veterans benefits
Immigration case inquiries

Click here to request help.