Jan's Plans & Pans - February 21, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

As I mentioned to you last week, extremist Republicans proceeded with yet another vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite the fact that Republicans failed to produce any evidence that Secretary Mayorkas had violated his constitutional duties, the Republicans had enough votes this time around and Secretary Mayorkas was impeached by a vote of 214-213. Every Democrat present and three Republicans voted against the measure.

I am confident that the Senate will see this impeachment as yet another far-right political stunt and that Secretary Mayorkas will be acquitted. Instead of wasting our time on these unpopular, extremist measures, we must focus our attention on comprehensive immigration reform.

While the GOP continues their political games, I remain committed to fighting on behalf of the American people. I just introduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2024 with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). As large grocery chains continue to rake in record profits, there are many families struggling to put food on the table. The cost of basic groceries has jumped by 25% over the past four years. Price gouging is harming consumers and is fueling the elevated profit margins among greedy corporations. Our bill empowers the Federal Trade Commission to hold these price gouging companies accountable when they take advantage of American consumers. As Democrats, we will continue our efforts to help ensure that people always come before profits.

Take care,

In Washington D.C.

Schakowsky Applauds Funding to Improve Water Infrastructure

Nobody should have to worry about whether the water they drink is clean. Thanks to President Joe Biden's historic Infrastructure Law, $5.8 billion will be distributed nationwide to upgrade our water infrastructure. Specifically, Illinois will receive over $200 million! Access to clean water is a basic human right.

In the District

Schakowsky Celebrates Lunar New Year

I had a great time at two Lunar New Year celebrations in our community! The first event was hosted by the Chinese Mutual Aid Association and the second was hosted by the South-East Asia Center. The 9th Congressional District is truly one of the most diverse districts in the nation. Our neighbors come from all corners of the globe, bringing their cultures, traditions, and ideas. May the Year of the Dragon bring us all power and good fortune.

Constituent Casework Stories

My district office helped a constituent with a Social Security and Medicare issue:

"Thank you so much for staying through the entire process to completion of my Social Security/Medicare issue. Its been a long process for me and my wife (nearly two years of obstacles). Your direct support helped make it all successful for us. It couldn't have worked out anymore positively. Your office quickly began the necessary communications to help us resolve our complications. Within approximately a month, during the difficult holiday period, as well. Finding out on our 46th Anniversary made it even more extra special. Your support was instrumental for us. I was having difficulty with all the inherent red tape. Thanks again, for all your support and efforts!"

Arturo Blake Sr., Constituent

Government Resources

New Student Debt Relief Initiative

My Congressional Progressive Caucus colleagues and I have made student debt cancellation a priority in Congress. That is why I am excited to share that President Joe Biden announced a major new initiative.

Starting this month, if you took out less than $12,000 in loans and have been in repayment for 10 years, ALL of your debt will be canceled.

That is right — your loan balance could go down to zero.

To get that relief and other options for major monthly reductions to your loan payments, you need to be enrolled in the Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. This is the same plan that ensures no borrower who makes less than $15 an hour will have to make any student loan payments. It will also make sure that interest does not pile up and increase your debt amount, and that your spouse's income can't be used to drive up your payment amount.

Sign up for the SAVE Plan today so you get this relief before your next payment is due.

Welcome to Tax Season!

On January 29, the Internal Revenue Service began accepting 2023 Tax Returns. The IRS offers two programs for qualifying taxpayers to receive filing assistance. The first program is the in-person, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program; VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

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

In addition to the VITA program, and in collaboration with United Way, qualifying taxpayers can file through MyFreeTaxes. MyFreeTaxes offers free assistance with filing federal and state taxes. To qualify for free online tax filing, taxpayers must earn $79,000 or less.

For members of the military, tax assistance can found below:

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, 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.

Up to $7,500 in savings is now available right at point of sale when you buy a new electric vehicle and up to $4,000 for a used one. You can get these credits at your car dealership, which means the discount will come right off the sticker price when you buy your EV.

You can visit this site to see a full list of benefits and find out which are currently available to best help you and your household.

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.

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