From new infrastructure projects to celebrating rulemaking with Sec. Buttigieg, here's an April roundup

Dear friend,

A few weeks ago, Congress voted on supplemental aid packages for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. You can read my full statement here on how I voted and my rationale for doing so.

Together with colleagues in the House and Senate, I took action to expand access to work permits for new arrivals and long-term immigrants. I led a bicameral letter urging the Biden administration to protect the work authorizations of migrants whose renewal applications are stuck in processing delays and backlogs. Following that letter, the administration announced an extension of work permits for immigrants whose permits are stuck in these delays. This new rule will protect work authorizations for 800,000 asylum seekers, immigrants with pending green card applications, refugees, and some Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders.

I also led another letter urging the Biden administration to expand access to work permits to undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, parents of military personnel, and Dreamers who are younger than 18 and don’t qualify for DACA. Expanding access to work permits is a matter of economic justice. It’s about keeping families together and keeping people safe. Below are a few photos from a press conference I hosted to advocate for the asks in our letter.

Congressman poses with Delegate Ashanti Martinez

Congressman poses with press conference participants

Finally, a few weeks ago, the Department of the Interior announced that it was placing land into federal trust for the benefit of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. I’m proud to have worked with Rep. Lauren Underwood to advocate for this transfer, which enables the Nation to reclaim a portion of land stolen from them nearly 200 years ago.

At the bottom of this email you will find an update on student debt relief, and information on upcoming events my office is hosting.

Breaking Ground on Terminal 3 Renovations

Across Chicagoland we’re seeing the benefits of historic infrastructure investment. As a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I was proud to help secure funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for O’Hare Terminal 3 renovations. This project will improve accessibility and amenities, while creating good-paying jobs.

Expanding Opportunity for Minority-Owned Businesses

I was proud to join U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for the announcement of the final Department of Transportation rulemaking for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.

I’ve been advocating for changes that will help build wealth in communities long excluded from the economic prosperity created by infrastructure investment.

Convening a Municipal Roundtable

I convened a roundtable with local leaders from the Western suburbs. We discussed legislative priorities and federal funding opportunities for municipalities in IL-04, including for infrastructure improvements and climate resilience.

Food Pantry Ribbon Cutting

Our communities have long been excluded from access to nutritious foods. I joined New Life Centers for the opening of their new food pantry and community center in Archer Heights. Spaces like this are fundamental to building safer, stronger, and healthier communities.

Visiting Greater Family Health Center

For too many people, going to the doctor is a matter of “Can I afford to?” not “Do I need to?” I stopped by Greater Family Health Center’s Franklin Park location to learn more about the work they’re doing to provide high-quality, affordable health care for our communities.

The Latest on Student Debt Relief

President Biden recently announced new action that, once implemented, will bring the total number of people who’ve received student debt relief to 30 million. I am proud to have continued advocating for debt cancellation alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and we will keep fighting to cancel more debt. Below is more information on current debt cancellation programs available for qualifying borrowers:

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program: The Biden administration has taken action to strengthen the PSLF program and bring $62.8 billion in debt relief to more than 876,000 public servants—including teachers, first responders, non-profit workers, and government employees. 120 people in IL-04 have been approved for forgiveness under this program since 2021.

Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan: SAVE is an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan that cuts payments on undergraduate loans in half and brings student loan payments down to as low as $0 per month. Some 996,000 borrowers have saved a total of $49.2 billion through adjustments to IDR payments and the SAVE plan.

Canceling debt for borrowers defrauded by for-profit colleges and universities: Under the Biden administration, the Department of Education has provided student debt cancellation for borrowers who were misled by fraudulent for-profit institutions and took out federal student loans to enroll in them. More than 1.3 million of these borrowers have seen a total of $22.5 billion in student loan debt canceled.

Canceling debt for borrowers with disabilities: Under the Biden administration, borrowers with a disability can receive student debt cancellation via a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge application. More than 548,000 people with permanent and total disabilities have seen their loans canceled, amounting to $14.1 billion.

Learn more about debt cancellation programs you may qualify for, including those above, by visiting StudentAid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation. To learn more about income-driven repayment options, visit StudentAid.gov/IDR. To learn more about PSLF, visit StudentAid.gov/PSLF.

Para información en español, visite: StudentAid.gov/es/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation.

Deadline Tomorrow:

District Summer Internship

We are still accepting applications for summer interns in my District offices! This is an opportunity to develop professionally, learn office management skills, and serve the people of Illinois’ 4th Congressional District!

The deadline to apply is tomorrow, May 5th at 11:59pm CT. For more information and to apply, click here.

Upcoming Events

May 18th: Citizenship Workshop
Ready to become a U.S. Citizen? Join us for our monthly Citizenship Workshop. This workshop is by appointment only. To register, call 773-475-0833 or 773-342-0774.

¿Listo para convertirse en ciudadano estadounidense? ¡Acompáñanos a un taller de ciudadanía! Este taller es solo con cita previa. Para registrarse llame al 773-475-0833 o al 773-342-0774.

May 18th: Spring Cleaning and Shredding Event

Safely shred your documents (on-site), dispose of expired medication, and recycle your old electronics.

Time: 10am - 1pm CT

Location: 5025 S. Kenneth Ave (parking lot)

May 29th: Veterans Resource Fair
My team is hosting a Veterans Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 29th. Representatives from the VA will be on site to help with health care benefits, services, and more.

Time: 4pm - 7pm CT
Location: 125 N. 19th Ave, Suites A and B, Melrose Park, IL

Need Help with a Federal Agency?

Our office has a dedicated team of caseworkers that assist constituents with many federal services. Some services we can help with:

Social Security claims
Medicare and Medicaid claims
Passport requests
SBA loans
Veterans benefits
Immigration case inquiries

Click here to request help.