Dear Friends,
It has been an action-packed week in Washington. From the President’s State of the Union address, major federal budget breakthroughs, and the passage of some of my signature legislation, there is a lot that I’m eager to share with you.
State of the Union
President Biden delivered his fourth State of the Union address to Congress, highlighting the work of the Biden-Harris Administration to grow the economy from the middle out and the bottom up, lower healthcare costs, and create generational investments in our nation’s infrastructure. The State of the Union also offered the nation an opportunity for President Biden to share his perspectives on global challenges and his vision for the future of our nation.
As a Member of Congress, I invite guests whose exemplary work deserves to be showcased nationally. At this year’s State of the Union, I was honored to invite two remarkable women in our district, Dr. Lisa Green and Melinda Kelly. Dr. Lisa Green, CEO and co-founder of Family Christian Health Center in Harvey is a family physician and maternal health expert. Melinda Kelly serves as the Executive Director of Chatham Association, Small Business Development where she supports small business owners and helps the Chatham community thrive.
Community Project Funding for IL-02
For months, the federal budget for 2024 has been held up in negotiations. Thankfully, the House passed a large portion of that budget on Wednesday, including over $15 million in IL-02 community projects.
View the full list here: https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kelly-votes-protect-critical-government-services-advance-nearly-15
House Passes Major Health Legislation
I am proud that my House colleagues joined me to pass my bipartisan Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act, and Action for Dental Health Act this week. I am honored to lead these critical bipartisan initiatives to ensure that our communities stay healthy and continue to thrive. My Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act will ensure continued support for state maternal mortality review committees and disseminate best practices to health care providers to prevent maternal deaths and illness. In addition, my Action for Dental Health Act, will direct federal support to organizations that provide oral health care to underserved populations including seniors, children, and low-income communities. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that every American can access high-quality health care.
PACT ACT Update
As of March 5th, all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. This directive from President Biden eliminates the waiting period so that veterans can receive benefits up to eight years sooner.
For more information, visit: https://news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/
Youth Opportunities Fair
On April 6, I will be hosting an IL-02 Youth Opportunities Fair in Country Club Hills. Local organizations participating in the event will share information on various community programs, such as internships, volunteer opportunities, and summer employment.
Register here: bit.ly/IL-02YouthFair
If you would like to share your thoughts with me, feel free to visit my website. You can also keep in touch through Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Sincerely,
Robin L. Kelly Member of Congress
OFFICE LOCATIONS
Chicago District Office | 1642 E. 56th Street, Suite 110 | Chicago, IL 60637 | Phone: (773) 321-2001 Danville District Office | 425 N. Gilbert Street, Suite 5 | Danville, IL 61832 | Phone: (217) 516-4556 Matteson District Office | 600 Holiday Plaza Dr. Suite 505 | Matteson, IL 60443 | Phone: (708) 679-0078 | Fax: (708) 679-0216 Washington DC Office | 2329 Rayburn HOB | Washington, DC 20515 | Phone: (202) 225-0773 | Fax: (202) 225-4583
|