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Jan's Plans & Pans - February 28, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

Last week was another busy week in the 9th Congressional District! I love being out and about in the district, and this week was particularly exciting. I spent quite a bit of time in the newer parts of my district, McHenry and Lake Counties, and I also had the opportunity to meet with two different groups of high school students to discuss issues that are on their minds. Meeting with constituents has always been one of my favorite parts of my job, and it was truly a fabulous week.

As I return to Washington D.C., we have only have a few days to avoid a potential government shutdown. The first group of funding bills must be passed by March 1st and the second group must be passed by March 8th. House Democrats have bailed out Republicans three times by providing a majority of votes to pass a continuing resolution and avert a government shutdown. We are committed to putting people over politics to protect Americans and get this done again.

Take care,

Schakowsky Visits Stryker Sage in Cary, IL

Did you know that 1 in 100 hospital patients will acquire pneumonia? Research shows that comprehensive oral care can decrease these rates, yet 58% of patients do not receive oral care. It's clear, some hospitals are prioritizing profits over patient care.

I'm grateful for the work Stryker Sage is doing in our district to develop products used to prevent hospital-acquired diseases, including making oral care more accessible for patients. 

Schakowsky Meets with Mayor of Island Lake

I had a fantastic time in Island Lake with Mayor McLaughlin and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim! Mayor McLaughlin updated me on all of the meaningful work he has done in Island Lake, and even took me on a tour where we were able to see some parks, and of course, the lake!

Schakowsky Speaks to Students at Niles North High School

I stopped by Niles North High School last week to speak with students about a wide range of topics that are on their minds including the migrant crisis, climate change, reproductive freedom, gun control, and the war in the Middle East. It's heartening to see young people so engaged and passionate, and I always enjoy hearing what issues are on their minds!

Schakowsky Meets with Evanston Students who Participated in RAC L'Taken Social Justice Seminars in Washington, D.C.

I met with another group of high school students, mostly students from ETHS, who are affiliated with JRC. They participated in the L'Taken Social Justice Seminars in Washington through the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), an organization with programs that educate Reform Jewish teens on public policy issues of concern to the Jewish community. 

At the culmination of the program, the students visited Capitol Hill to advocate for issues they learned about. I wasn’t in Washington D.C. when they were there, but I’m so glad I had the chance to meet with them while home in the district!

Their speeches were tremendously moving and inspiring. The next generation is full of changemakers!

Schakowsky Meets with Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson hosted some of my colleagues and I for lunch last week to discuss some of the primary challenges impacting the city, including the arrival of new migrants, and ways we can work together. 

An estimated 11,000 of migrants in Chicago's shelter system qualify for work authorization through the Temporary Protected Status program, and thus far approximately 1,400 migrants have received work permits. When I talk to migrants, they want a job. This would address the ongoing labor shortage that employers are facing, but it would also create a pathway to financial independence for migrants. 

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

Inflation Reduction Action Prescription Drug Benefits 

Drug companies are at the table! Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare is now able to negotiate costs for prescription drugs for the first time in history. The first 10 drugs covered under Medicare Part D selected for price negotiations treat conditions such as:

• diabetes
• blood clots
• heat disease
• heart failure
• autoimmune diseases
• and chronic kidney disease

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!

• 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

High home energy costs are a challenge that everyone faces, 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.

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.