Jan's Plans & Pans - January 24, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

Once again, House Democrats saved the day by helping pass a continuing resolution, averting a catastrophic shutdown of the government. A total of 106 Republicans, nearly half of the entire House Republican Conference, voted against the continuing resolution and were prepared for a government shutdown. This is now the third time that Democrats have stepped up to prevent a shutdown. With the passage of this legislation, we have extended the deadlines to pass our appropriations bills to March 1st and March 8th.

In the meantime, House Republicans sent two pieces of legislation to the Senate that are direct attacks on reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy. The first bill, the so-called “Pregnant Students' Rights Act,” attempts to make it harder for college students to access information on contraception, abortion, and other resources that are available to them. The second bill, the “Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act,” would allow states to divert funding intended for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to “crisis pregnancy centers,” which provide deceptive and inaccurate anti-abortion information to women with very little oversight. Fortunately, the Senate will not act on these bills, but it is no question that House Republicans are working towards a nationwide ban on abortions. 

My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to prioritize the interests of everyday Americans, while at the same time pushing back against far-right extremism and poison pill policy proposals.

Take care,

Schakowsky Fights Back Against Proposed Fiscal Commission

If my Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives actually cared about improving our fiscal position, they would tax the rich, not attempt to cut hard-earned Social Security benefits behind closed doors. A fiscal commission would fast-track cuts to vital benefits Americans rely on. I served on the Simpson-Bowles Commission in 2010 when its co-chairs tried to make cuts to the American people’s hard-earned benefits. Luckily, they failed.

We cannot allow the GOP to dig up an old playbook and create a commission modeled after Simpson-Bowles. Hands off Social Security!

Schakowsky Pens Op-Ed in Chicago Sun-Times to Mark the 51st Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

For me, the fight to protect reproductive freedom is about ensuring that everyone has access to the health care they need, regardless of their income or where they live. In Illinois, abortions remain legal, but the overturning of Roe v. Wade has dramatically impacted our providers. Planned Parenthood of Illinois reported a 54% increase in patients seeking abortions since Roe was overturned and has seen patients travel from 38 different states to get the care they need. This fight is more than just policy and politics; it is about human dignity and justice. 

This week, as we mark what would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, our message remains clear: We are not backing down. To read my full op-ed, click here. 

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.

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.