Jan's Plans & Pans - March 20, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

In recent years, Americans have become increasingly concerned that their data is being exploited and abused. These concerns are warranted because weak laws have allowed Big Tech to invade people’s privacy. The very narrow TikTok bill we voted on last week, which Republicans rushed to the floor for a vote under the guise of protecting our national security, fails to ensure that all tech companies and data brokers are taking the steps necessary to protect Americans’ privacy and data.

What we need is comprehensive data privacy legislation to hold companies to high standards of data security and minimization. And if my Republican colleagues were serious about doing everything in their power to protect our national security, they would immediately bring Ukraine aid to the floor for a vote.

After a couple of wonderful days back home meeting with constituents in the district, I am back in Washington where we must vote on the final six FY 2024 appropriations bills by Friday or risk a partial shutdown of the government. I am very optimistic that we will finally be able to get this done and that the legislation will be free of extreme budget cuts and far-right poison pill policies that would only harm Americans. I will be sure to keep you updated with the latest updates.

Be well,

Schakowsky Introduces Legislation to End the Harmful Medicaid Estate Recovery Program

Imagine losing a loved one, only to have Medicaid come knocking on your door demanding you now pay for the long-term care your departed relative received. Sadly, this is the reality for thousands of families each year due to the federal Medicaid Estate Recovery program. 

Medicaid is the only public benefit program that requires states to seek repayment for long-term care services. I reintroduced the Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act to ban states from going after the families of deceased Medicaid recipients. Let's give our seniors and their families dignity and peace of mind. Medicaid’s current policy is ineffective and unjust, and it must end.

Read more about my bill and some of the shocking first-hand accounts in the New York Times and Associated Press.

Schakowsky Works as Guest Barista at Will’s Place 

I had a spectacular time at Will's Place in Skokie as a guest barista learning the ropes from their staff! I am so grateful for the opportunities Will's Place provides for adults with disabilities. Only 19% of American adults with disabilities are employed and Will's Place is working to combat these statistics. 

Schakowsky Speaks with Students at Glenbrook South High School

It was Civics Learning Week at Glenbrook South High School and I had the great pleasure of talking with students about the importance of youth engagement in civics and what is happening in Washington, D.C. right now. These students had thoughtful questions, and I always love to hear what is on their minds!

Schakowsky Dines with District Interns

My Skokie office would not be complete without our amazing interns! Maddie, Lauren, and Landon, your creativity, enthusiasm, and hard work continue to amaze me each and every day. I cannot wait to see the big things these three accomplish.

Virtual Tax Filing Webinar Hosted by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

It is tax filing season! Join Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and the IRS for a webinar focused on all the information you need to know as you prepare to file your taxes. Bring your questions! 

Tuesday, March 26, 2024
6:00 PM CT
Online via Zoom

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by clicking here. 

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.

Inflation Reduction Act Consumer Energy Benefits

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.