Jan's Plans & Pans - March 6, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

I am back in Washington for yet another busy week! Not only is President Joe Biden set to deliver his State of the Union Address this Thursday night, but Congress is finally prepared to act on our Fiscal Year 2024 budget.  For weeks, I have told you that far-right Republicans have hijacked the appropriations process in favor of extreme budget cuts and poison pill policies that will only harm Americans. I am pleased to report that a bipartisan agreement has been reached on six of the 12 appropriations bills, and we are expecting a vote this week.

Democrats have fought hard to protect crucial investments that matter to every day Americans and help keep our economy strong, rejecting devastating cuts to housing, nutrition assistance, and more. The agreement includes a $2.3 billion boost for veterans’ medical care and a $1 billion increase for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The agreement would also bring millions of dollars back home to the 9th Congressional District through the Community Project Funding program. 

The American people are counting on us. We must deliver. I will be sure to keep you posted on the latest updates from Washington!

Be well,

Schakowsky Meets with Illinois Civil Air Patrol

I had a wonderful meeting with the Illinois wing of the Civil Air Patrol! As an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol I love hearing about the tremendous learning experiences and leadership opportunities the Civil Air Patrol provides its young volunteers. Thank you for the great work that you do!

Schakowsky Tours Harper College's Learning and Career Center in Prospect Heights 

I received a tour of Harper's Learning and Career Center with Prospect Heights Mayor Patrick Ludvigsen and City Manager Joe Wade! Harper College President, Dr. Avis Proctor, shared their ongoing efforts to ensure that an education at Harper is both accessible and affordable for students. I was able to see their workforce training efforts, their childcare facilities, and their food pantry!

Schakowsky Visits Mount Prospect Social Security Office

I had a great visit with the Social Security office in Mount Prospect where I met with the District Manager Elizabeth Williams and the Regional Communications Director Doug Nguyen. We discussed the vital work that Social Security offices provide for Americans, but also about the financial strains they are facing. 

It is vital that we devote the necessary resources to the Social Security Administration so they can continue to provide their lifesaving services without delay. 

Schakowsky Celebrates Chicago Meteorologist Tom Skilling

What an amazing send-off for my friend and beloved Chicago meteorologist, Tom Skilling! Tom knows that we are facing a climate crisis and worked tirelessly each day to keep viewers informed. Congrats on a fantastic 45 years. I wish you nothing but blue skies in retirement!

Participate in the 2024 Congressional Art Competition!

The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District (IL-09). This competition is open to all high school students that reside in our District. The winners of each District’s competition will have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to take part in a special ceremony with other winners from around the country. 

For students interested in participating in the 9th Congressional District's Competition, please submit this google form. Rules and guidelines for the 2024 competition are available here and the student release form is available here. Additionally, a helpful art submission checklist can be found here.

If you have any questions, please call my district office at 773-506-7100!

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 

• diabetes
• blood clots
• heat disease
• heart failure
• autoimmune diseases
• 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

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.

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.