Jan's Plans & Pans - February 7, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

As I have said many times before, we live in the richest country in the world at the richest moment in history. Yet, many Americans are unable to feel the full magnitude of our wealth. One of the biggest problems we face is income inequality. As big corporations continue to rake in record profits, there are many families struggling to put food on the table. For this reason, I was one of the 70 members who voted against a $78 billion tax bill that came before the House of Representatives.

This bill, if signed into law, would provide millions of dollars in tax relief for the wealthiest companies, like Meta, General Motors, and Netflix, and pennies for those in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we passed the expanded, monthly Child Tax Credit, which cut child poverty in half. I will not back down. We must keep fighting for the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit because our children deserve no less.

Finally, I want to say Happy Black History Month! We celebrate Black culture, Black leaders, Black innovation, and Black triumphs. We remember the struggles endured by Civil Rights icons. It was their ‘good trouble,’ along with many others, that paved the way for future generations to have a better life. As we reflect on the great strides we have made, we recognize the work that remains to truly become an equitable and just society. Black lives matter. Black lives have value. Black lives are beautiful. Black History is American History. For my full statement, please click here.

Take care,

Schakowsky Joins Advocates to Fight for One Fair Wage

In Chicago, we raised the minimum wage to $15.80/hour. It is past time we raise the wage at the federal level. I stood with Patty, the owner of Herb Thai
in Edgewater, and other restaurant owners to call for the passage of the Raise the Wage Act. When we fight, we win!

Schakowsky Mourns Senn High School Student Killed in Shooting

We cannot go on like this. How numb has our society become to everyday violence? The tragic shooting of 16-year-old Daveon Gibson was the second fatal shooting outside a school in Chicago in the span of a week. No family should have to endure this pain. We must act to end the easy access to all deadly firearms. My heart is with all those who knew and loved Daveon.

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

Remember to check your passport validity before booking any spring and summer travel plans! 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.