Dear friend,
Welcome to my August wrap-up newsletter. This month Congress has been in District Work Period, which means I’ve been back home meeting with constituents, attending events in our community, and immersing myself in local issues that matter most to the people I represent. My team has also been all over IL-04 at back-to-school events connecting students and their families to resources that can help ensure a successful school year. As I prepare to head back to Washington D.C. for a busy legislative period, here’s a look at what I’ve been up to this past month. |
This summer my office participated in fifteen back-to-school events all across IL-04! From Gage Park to Franklin Park, my office offered information, resources, and activities for the whole family in preparation for the upcoming school year. Best of luck to all students, teachers, and parents! |
I attended Berkeley’s centennial, where I met with constituents and shared information about the services available through my office. I also presented Village President Robert E. Lee Jr. with a copy of the Congressional Record of my floor speech in recognition of Berkeley’s anniversary. Here’s to another 100 years, Berkeley! |
I traveled to Bogotá, Colombia as part of a delegation representing the United States at the inaugural gathering of the Panamerican Congress. The gathering of almost 40 progressive legislators from North, Central, and South America focused on addressing common challenges and hemispheric cooperation on issues including democracy, the climate crisis, and peace. I’m eager to work with our neighbors in the Americas to continue advancing legislation and building on relationships that will help us address these pressing issues. |
In Congress, I’ve been fighting to end gun violence by supporting legislation that invests in education and mental health resources, bans assault weapons, expands universal background checks, and increases funding for gun violence prevention research. Hearing from local stakeholders on how gun violence impacts our communities is important, that’s why, my team and I met with the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership to explore ways that we can work together to address gun violence and also expand opportunities for youth violence prevention. |
My Washington, D.C. and Chicagoland district offices reunited this month for our annual Team Chuy retreat! Staff from state, county, and local government officials joined us to share updates, participate in professional development activities, and reaffirm our shared vision to serve the people of the 4th Congressional District through policy, constituent services, and resources. |
I had the opportunity to host my colleague, Rep, Mike Quigley - Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Committee, for a tour of Pilsen! We visited Mujeres Latinas en Accion, the oldest non-profit serving women and families, The Resurrection Project, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting for immigrants’ rights and expanding affordable housing, and the National Museum of Mexican Art. During the tour, we highlighted the THUD needs of the 4th Congressional District district and shared future federal funding opportunities. |
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the new prices for the first 10 drugs selected for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program—a critical provision of the Inflation Reduction Act, which I supported and voted for in Congress in 2022. This provision allows Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for Part D beneficiaries. The selected drugs are among the most expensive and frequently needed drugs, and the negotiations have yielded discounts of up to 79%, according to the White House. The new prices will go into effect for people with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage beginning January 1, 2026. This announcement is great news for working-class people across the nation, who will save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket prescription drug costs as a result of this historic action. |
We unveiled a new mural outside my office in Brighton Park designed by the talented participants of the Yollocalli Arts Reach’s Street Art Studio youth program. I had an opportunity to speak to the young artists about how this vibrant mural reflects some of the issues I fight for in Congress: green spaces, affordable housing, and education. This group of artists are inspiring future leaders who use their talent to honor previous generations’ contributions. |
Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve made it clear that we need an immigration system rooted in dignity and opportunity. In June, President Biden issued an Executive Order that allows undocumented immigrants to apply for temporary work permits and parole if they are married to a U.S. citizen. To qualify, applicants must have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years and pass background checks. Those with felony convictions are ineligible for this process. On August 26, a federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked the program and prohibited the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from granting parole to applicants. While DHS cannot approve applications right now, DHS can continue accepting them for future consideration under the program.
Beware of scams and seek trusted legal advice. For more information please contact my offices at 773-342-0774 or 773-475-0833.
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Calling all middle and high school students! Code for Congress and create an app for any platform using any coding language for a chance to have your work displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building! The goal of the Congressional App Challenge is to inspire students from every corner of the country to explore STEM through hands-on practice.
Last year’s Congressional App Challenge winner, Carlos Alcala from Archer Heights, impressed my team and I with his app Menti, which helps users de-stress and manage their well-being.
Eligible students can register for the competition here. The competition deadline is October 24th, 2024 at 12:00 pm ET. Good luck!
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Citizenship Workshops Ready to become a U.S. Citizen? Sign-up for one of the upcoming Citizenship Workshops. All workshops are by appointment only.
September 7th / 7 de Septiembre: Summit Citizenship Workshop To register, call 309-233-8323 ext. 3006.
Para registrarse llame al 309-233-8323 ext. 3006.
September 21st/ 21 de Septiembre: Citizenship Workshop with Brighton Park Neighborhood Council We’re partnering with Brighton Park Neighborhood Council for their monthly citizenship workshop. This workshop is by appointment only. To register, call 773-340-1874.
Mi oficina se está uniendo con Brighton Park Neighborhood Council para su taller mensual de ciudadanía. Este taller es sólo con cita previa. Para registrarse llame al 773-340-1874.
September 21st/ 21 de Septiembre: Hispanic Heritage Fest at Brookfield Zoo Join us at Brookfield Zoo Chicago from 10 AM to 1PM for a celebration of Hispanic Heritage! My team will have a resource table available to help you navigate federal agencies and answer questions about Social Security, VA benefits, Medicare, Medicaid and more!
September 28th/ 28 de Septiembre: Monarch Festival Our office is partnering with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda and State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid for the 3rd Annual Monarch Festival happening from 10 AM to 1 PM at 2401 Des Plaines Ave, North Riverside, IL. Come learn about organizations and services available to constituents across the region while enjoying music and food.
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As a Congressman, one of the most important jobs I have is to listen to you. Join me at my next town hall on September 5th at the Elmhurst City Hall (209 N. York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126), for a federal update to discuss key issues for our district, ask questions, and meet my team! To register visit bit.ly/ChuyElmhurst. Doors open at 5:15 PM, and we’ll kick things off with a recognition ceremony to celebrate the student participants of this year’s Congressional Art Competition at 5:45 PM. Hope to see you there! |
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. |
Thank you for staying engaged and informed about my work in Congress. Your support and feedback are invaluable as I continue to advocate for our community's needs and values.
Until next time,
Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García |
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