Jan's Plans & Pans - January 17, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

Happy New Year! I hope your 2024 is off to a great start. Here in Washington, it is a new year, but we are seeing the same chaos from House Republicans. The far-right members of the Republican Party are angry that Speaker Mike Johnson has agreed to a deal with Democrats that will hopefully avert a partial shutdown of the government at the end of the week.

Some of the extremists in the GOP were in favor of shutting down the government to pass conservative border policies. Others wanted to enact partisan poison pill policy changes that would have come after women’s health care and gender-affirming care. My fellow Democrats and I remain committed to advancing legislation that will benefit everyday Americans.

This week, as we reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let us recommit to honoring Dr. King’s legacy by confronting the hate and intolerance that continues to divide us. We are more alike than we are different. Further, we must fight back against the systematic racism that continues to plague our health, education, justice, and economic systems. Let Dr. King’s teachings serve as a guide for us all as we advocate for a more just society, one in which our systems work for everyone, not just a wealthy few.

Be well,

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Schakowsky Fights Back Against Proposed Far-Right Budget Provisions

Extremist proposals, like restricting women’s health care and enabling rich tax cheats, are not supported by the majority of Americans. Democrats are united against any attempt by Speaker Mike Johnson to include far-right poison pills in the appropriations bills. We need a clean budget!

Schakowsky Speaks with ABC 7 Chicago About Latest Updates on Migrant Situation

Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s dehumanizing political stunt of sending 30,000 migrants to Chicago is not a solution to the immigration crisis. We need comprehensive immigration reform. Chicago has a long history of welcoming immigrants who have come to the United States in pursuit of a better life, and we have welcomed these migrants no differently. 

We know that police stations are no longer being used as shelters and that over 10,000 individuals have been resettled into permanent housing. The migrants I have spoken with are in search of one thing; a job so they can provide for their families. We must issue expedited work permits to both new arrivals and undocumented immigrants. Not only would this address the ongoing labor shortage that employers are facing, but it would also create a pathway to financial independence for so many.

Schakowsky Hosts Ismaili Council for the Midwestern United States

I was thrilled to hear about the efforts of the Ismaili community to help migrants in Chicago. They are hosting luggage drives so that migrants in shelters can safely store their belongings and they are even hosting migrants for holiday meals.

Schakowsky Meets with Chair of Chicago's 24th Police District Council

I met with Veronica Arreola, the Chair of Chicago's 24th Police District Council. She shared with me the work that the council is doing to make the Rogers Park community safer.

My District Office helped a constituent receive his I-131 form to travel to Mexico to visit his sick grandmother

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rep. Schakowsky's office for their invaluable assistance throughout my green card application process. Their unwavering friendliness and willingness to help have been a constant source of support. Having spent five years in the USA without the ability to reunite with my family in my home country, today I can do so, thanks to the instrumental aid provided by Rep. Schakowsky's office. 

I want to express special appreciation to Liliana Callahan, who was consistently helpful from the inception to the completion of this journey. Now, being able to work and contribute in a country that has offered me tremendous opportunities is both a privilege and an honor. I sincerely thank Rep. Schakowsky's office, along with Liliana Callahan, for their outstanding assistance and unwavering support throughout this significant chapter of my life."

-Alek Johnson De Moura Rocha 

Inflation Reduction Act Consumer Energy Benefits

Winter is here, and so are the colder temperatures. It is time to turn up the heat, which will inevitably lead to a higher gas bill. But there is good news: the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which Democrats in Congress and President Joe Biden passed last year, has made 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 underserved community.

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: 6-8 weeks for routine and 2-3 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.