Jan's Plans & Pans - February 13, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

I had the great pleasure of joining my Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives at the 2024 Issues Conference in Leesburg, Virginia. This was a time for Democrats to come together to discuss the issues that matter most to Americans. We heard from incredible speakers, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. We discussed many issues, including the importance of lowering costs for Americans, protecting workers’ rights and unions, restoring reproductive freedom, and regulating Big Tech. As Democrats, we will always prioritize people over politics.

Meanwhile, extremist Republicans are continuing their dysfunction and political stunts. Last week, they tried, and failed, to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. Every Democrat and three Republicans voted against the measure. The U.S. Constitution sets an extremely high standard for impeachment – ‘high Crimes and Misdemeanors.’ Republicans have unsurprisingly failed to produce any evidence that Secretary Mayorkas has violated this constitutional standard. 

As early as tonight, my Republican colleagues are expected to call for another impeachment vote against Secretary Mayorkas. Instead of wasting our time on these unpopular, extremist measures, we must focus our attention on comprehensive immigration reform. I will be sure to keep you posted with the latest developments.

Be well,

Schakowsky Meets with Representatives from Oakton College

It is always great to welcome Oakton College to my DC office! We discussed the importance of career and technical education, streamlining access to SNAP benefits, and ensuring robust federal funding for student support programs. Everyone deserves access to a high-quality education.

Schakowsky Attends Flight Attendant Day of Action at O'Hare Airport

Airline profits are soaring, yet flight attendants, who work tirelessly each day on the frontlines, lack adequate pay and workplace protections. As a dues-paying union member myself, I was proud to stand in solidarity with flight attendants at O'Hare Airport. 

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.