Dear friend, Welcome to my September wrap-up newsletter! This month, I was appointed to the House Judiciary Committee, a role that will allow me to expand my efforts to protect my constituents’ civil and civic liberties against undemocratic attacks. This committee assignment also provides an opportunity to advocate more directly for a humane and just immigration system, including a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and long-term immigrants. In addition to celebrating my new appointment, during September we also honor Hispanic Heritage Month. I take pride in the rich history, diverse cultures, and invaluable contributions of the Latino community. This time allows us to celebrate our achievements while reflecting on the important work that lies ahead. As I prepare to spend some time in IL-04 for District Work Period, here’s a look at what I’ve been up to this past month.
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Accessing resources and opportunities remains a significant challenge for Latino entrepreneurs. At the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s panel on “Incubating and Accelerating Latino Success”, I emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive policies to address the structural barriers they face. I am committed to advocating in Congress for a robust federal framework that includes strong worker protections, ensuring that all workers are paid a living wage with comprehensive benefits. Additionally, I support expanding federal loan opportunities that meet the specific needs of Latino entrepreneurs and increasing financial access in underbanked communities.
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The U.S. must restore funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I stood with my colleagues in strong support of the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024, of which I am a cosponsor.
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As part of the 2024 Community Project Funding, I secured $959,000 for lead pipe replacement along Schiller Boulevard in Franklin Park. Earlier this month I visited the construction site to see the improvements being made to ensure residents have access to clean, safe water. Many thanks to Mayor Barrett Pedersen for hosting us!
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I met with the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Austan Dean Goolsbee, to discuss important issues Congress needs to continue pressing for, including the need for improved banking access in low- and moderate-income communities, the crucial role of affordable childcare in supporting a strong economy, efforts to enhance board diversity, and the need for federal regulation and protections in the cannabis banking space.
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Thank you to Mayor Scott M. Levin for hosting my town hall in Elmhurst! It was great to be joined by our special guests State Rep. Norma Hernandez, DuPage County Board Member Yeena Yoo, and Elmhurst Alderwoman Marti Deuter. A big thank you to all the constituents who attended; your feedback is vital as I work in Congress to address our shared priorities. We also recognized the talented participants of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition—congratulations to the young artists from the fourth district!
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Chicago is an important transportation hub for our country, and our airports need to be state of the art spaces that make air travel safer and more efficient, while protecting the neighborhoods they are located in from noise pollution.
I’m glad to announce Midway Airport just received $550,000 in federal funding for noise mitigation. This investment will reduce noise for those living nearby, create jobs, and improve our travel experience.
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As the first Mexican in Congress from the Midwest, I was proud to support the launch of “Fuerza Mexicana: the Past, Present and Power of Mexicans in Chicagoland”. Our Congressional district is home to nearly 73% of the 581,376 Mexican American and Mexicans in Chicago. The policy recommendations contained in this report will help continue informing the work I do in Congress to address the challenges my constituents face.
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As your representative in Congress, I have the privilege of nominating candidates to our esteemed U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (West Point, NY), the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO), and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY). Please note that the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination. Each year, I can nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant slot allotted to our district, so I encourage interested students to apply! If you are considering a future at one of these academies, please complete the nomination request form linked here.
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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 11:00 am CT.
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October 26 / 26 de Octubre: Citizenship Workshop in Berwyn We’re partnering with Berwyn Township Assessor Jacqueline Pereda to host a citizenship workshop in the suburbs. This workshop is by appointment only. To register, call 773-475-0833 or 773-342-0774.
Mi oficina, en colaboración con la Asesora Municipal de Berwyn Jacqueline Pereda ofrecerá un taller de ciudadanía en los suburbios del oeste. Este taller es sólo con cita previa. Para registrarse llame al 773-475-0833 o 773-342-0774.
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As Congressman, one of the most important jobs I have is to listen to you. Join me at my next town hall on October 22nd at the Hinsdale for a federal update discuss key issues for our district, ask questions, and meet my team! Space is limited, to register click here. More details will be shared soon—stay updated by following me on social media @repchuygarcia.
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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.
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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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