Jan's Plans & Pans - February 1, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

I had an absolutely fabulous week back home in the 9th Congressional District! I love getting to be out and about in our community, whether I am visiting a school, touring a non-profit organization, or meeting with local elected officials.

I always say, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is getting to provide constituent services to the residents of the 9th Congressional District. Whether you need advice on navigating the Social Security Administration, help on an immigration case, aid in obtaining a passport, or assistance with the IRS, my staff and I are here to help, no matter your political party or beliefs. We will personally cut through the red-tape for you, and if we are unable, we will connect you with the agency or level of government that best suits your needs. Do not worry, my office can often save you a lot of time and stress.

If you have not done so already, please follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where my handle is @JanSchakowsky, to keep up with the latest on what I am up to in the 9th District, and in Washington. 

Talk soon,

Schakowsky Introduces Bill to Hold Mega-Corporations Accountable for Consumer Safety Violations

The current cap limits on civil penalties have allowed big corporations to skirt real responsibility when their products are found to be harmful, and in some cases, deadly. Companies must feel the effects when they violate consumer safety protections.

I introduced the CAP Act to strengthen deterrence against safety violations, better reflect the severity of offenses, and hold violators accountable. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure we are doing everything possible to help guarantee that the products people buy for themselves, and their children are safe. To learn more about this legislation, click here.

Schakowsky Tours Care for Real in Chicago

In 2023, Care for Real in Chicago welcomed more than 33,000 food pantry visitors thanks to the help of 1,000 volunteers and 10-20 full-time staff members. Not only does Care for Real provide food to those in need, but they also help low-income Chicago residents with clothing and referrals for other necessary services. I am so grateful for the work they are doing in our community.

Schakowsky Visits Sullivan High School

It is always a pleasure to return to my alma mater, Sullivan High School! Principal Cooks updated me on the Career and Technical Education Programs that provide students with college-prep, as well as technical skills. Of course, I also had to pop into the Jan Schakowsky Gymnasium! 

Schakowsky Presents Community Project Funding Check to RefugeeOne 

I am proud to have secured $546,895 in Community Project Funding for RefugeeOne! This funding has helped RefugeeOne expand their trauma-informed, evidence-based mental health programming geared toward Afghanistan and Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers. 

Schakowsky Speaks with Members of the Foster Senior Club

I always love visiting the members of the Foster Senior Club at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center in Evanston. I spoke with the group about the Medicare benefits in President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, including a $35/month cap on insulin and a $2,000/year cap on prescription drugs. 

Schakowsky Meets with Long Grove Mayor and Visits Illinois Sock Monkey Museum

It is always great to be back in Lake County! I met with Long Grove Mayor Bill Jacob to discuss the need for clean drinking water. One of my Community Project Funding requests would connect Long Grove to Lake Michigan water infrastructure. It is past time we pass our FY24 budget!

Of course, I could not visit Long Grove without stopping by the Illinois Sock Monkey Museum! This museum houses the World’s Largest Handmade Sock Monkey Collection, as certified by Guinness World Records.

My district office helped a constituent obtain a passport for urgent travel after he was turned away at the airport:

“I am very grateful for the assistance of Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s staff in helping to rush my passport renewal. I had gone to the airport on a Friday afternoon to travel to Rome for a meeting with the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO), only to find that my passport was expiring too soon to be allowed into Europe. They generously made themselves available immediately and throughout that weekend to secure me an appointment for a renewed passport the following Monday morning. I was able to make the meeting on time, which has represented a significant opportunity for my career and to contribute to international food security and safety.”

- Michael, constituent 

Welcome to Tax Season!

• People who generally make $64,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

• MilTax: free filing software for military members
•  VITA locations at military bases

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.