To mark the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, I led a tour of Morton College, Elmhurst University, and Daley College – three outstanding Hispanic Serving Institutions in my district. Our discussions centered on the power of education for students and I shared my efforts in Congress, advocating for policies that promote affordability, equity, and accessibility in higher education, especially for under-represented communities including working families, immigrants, and first-generation college students.

I had the pleasure of hosting a community town hall in the Village of Hinsdale. A special thank you to Village President Thomas K. Cauley, Jr. for his warm welcome, and to my constituents for engaging in a productive conversation about my legislative work promoting economic development, protecting Social Security, renovating our infrastructure, and preventing gun violence. The great questions from constituents will inform my work as we head into the last few weeks of the 118th Congress. 

I paid a surprise visit to Mr. Jordan Engelhardt, an automotive teacher in Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, to congratulate him for winning Illinois’ first Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Grand Prize. Mr. Engelhardt is one of 25 high school teachers in the country recognized this year for helping students build a future in the skilled trades. I will continue working in Congress to bolster youth employment programs, which are vital for America’s economic future. Congratulations, Mr. Engelhardt and thank you for helping create paths to prepare our youth for a brighter future!

I hosted two roundtables, one with LGBTQ+ leaders and another with immigration advocates, to provide federal updates, listen to local efforts, and collaboratively identify ways to address pressing issues through legislation in Congress.

I toured one of the ASPIRE Community Homes serving the southwest suburbs where people with disabilities are empowered to live a more boundless, inclusive life. I firmly believe that housing is a human right and that everyone deserves access to safe, affordable homes. In Congress, I am advocating for legislation that supports all those seeking to own or rent a home, while also championing policies that address the specific needs of our neighbors with disabilities. I am committed to ensuring organizations like ASPIRE have the resources and support they need to continue doing their work in our community.

Later in October, I had the chance to tour several areas in La Grange Park to connect with constituents and the small business community. My visit began with a walk along the business corridor with the La Grange Park Chamber of Commerce, followed by lunch at Bill’s Place, a local restaurant. This is a diverse community that comes together to support each other with events such as the Run for Roses 5k and the Haunted Trolley.

While in La Grange, State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid and I joined the Park District for a tour of the La Grange Park Woods Forest Preserve. We must work across federal and state levels to conserve our national parks, public lands, and our precious natural resources for the benefit of future generations. 

I concluded the month by participating in a Senate Judiciary Committee field hearing in Chicago, titled “Reducing Prescription Drug Prices: How Competition can Make Medications Affordable for Patients.” I am proud to have participated in successful progressive efforts to cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors and to finally allow Medicare to begin negotiating lower drug prices through the Inflation Reduction Act. As a new member of the House Judiciary Committee, I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues toward our common goal of enforcing antitrust laws to keep health care affordable for all. 

Watch my full remarks here.

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act is open and runs until January 15. This year, DACA recipients will also be able to enroll. Visit getcovered.illinois.gov to learn more and find the right plan for you.

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, or call my office at 773-475-0833 or 773-342-0774.

I appreciate you staying engaged and informed about my work in Congress and in the district. While we prepare to enter a challenging year ahead, your support and feedback are invaluable as I continue to advocate for our community's needs and values. Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations or questions!

Thank You,

Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García