Jan's Plans & Pans - January 24, 2025

Dear John xxxxxx,

On Monday, President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States and, almost immediately, issued a slew of executive orders that attack our fundamental freedoms.

The president issued several orders that would directly harm our immigrant communities, tearing apart families and hurting our economy. One order in particular would ban birthright citizenship, which is blatantly unconstitutional. We are a nation of immigrants, and our diversity is our strength. It is crucial for everyone to know their rights. Please stay informed so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones. For more information, please go to my website or call my office for assistance.

Further, President Trump issued a cruel executive order attacking our trans communities. Trans people have and always will exist, and we will do everything we can to ensure their fundamental and human rights are upheld. Trans people will not be erased.

Additionally, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accords and World Health Organization, which are designed to keep us safe and healthy, pardoned hundreds of people who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and made it more difficult for Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices. These orders do nothing at all to improve the lives of the American people and lower the cost of our basic needs, like groceries, health care, and housing.

I urge those of you who are feeling angry, overwhelmed, or scared by the state of our nation to make your voice heard. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we support one another and stand together against any injustices we may face. We are a diverse and welcoming community in Illinois, and I am proud of that. Each one of us has the power to speak out, to act, and to change the world.

We do not know what the future has in store, but I can assure you that you have got a fighter on your side. The fight for equal rights for all, an economy that works for everyone, not just the rich, reproductive rights, Social Security and Medicare, environmental protection, and so much more goes on. We must keep the faith.

Be well,

Schakowsky Stands with Progressive Caucus Against President Trump's Executive Orders

I stood with my fellow Progressive Caucus members in opposition to Donald President Trump's horrendous and harmful series of executive orders. Instead of lowering costs and improving the lives of Americans, he is prioritizing hate and the agendas of big corporations and the billionaires who run them.

Schakowsky Cosponsors Legislation to Protect Immigrants

As a first-generation American, I know that immigrants are not the enemy. I am thankful that Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Senator Mazie Hirono are leading the push to repeal the archaic and outdated Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Immigrants are our neighbors, our family, our friends. Our diversity is our strength.

Schakowsky Takes Part in 6th Annual Walk for Warmth

On the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, it was great to join Interfaith Action of Evanston's 6th Annual Walk for Warmth. Not only did this event bring together Evanstonians of all ages and backgrounds, but it also supported community members struggling with homelessness and hunger.

Schakowsky Volunteers at Skokie Public Library

I had the privilege of joining families at the Skokie Public Library who spent their day Monday giving back in honor of Dr. King. This blanket is one of many that will be going to Connections for the Homeless. I really enjoyed talking with so many young people who were looking to make a difference.

Schakowsky Attends "Know Your Rights" Workshop

I attended a “Know Your Rights” workshop hosted by the City of Evanston. It is important that you stay informed so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Please go to my website for more info or call my office if you need assistance.

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

Direct File Opens January 27th for Taxpayers in Illinois

On the first day of the filing season, January 27, 2025, Direct File will open to eligible taxpayers in Illinois! Direct File will include new features this year to make filing taxes quicker and easier. Similar to commercial tax software, a data import tool will allow taxpayers to opt-in to automatically import data from their IRS account, including personal information, the taxpayer’s IP PIN and some information from the taxpayer’s W-2. 

This year, Direct File users can try a new chat bot to help guide them through the eligibility checker. Live chat will again be available in English and Spanish, and users can opt into additional authentication and verification, which will allow customer service representatives to provide more information.

Also, this year, Direct File will cover more tax situations. Previously, Direct File supported taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents. This year, Direct File will also cover taxpayers claiming the:

• Child and Dependent Care Credit
• Premium Tax Credit
• Credit for the Elderly and Disabled
• Retirement Savings Contribution Credits

In addition to covering taxpayers claiming the standard deduction and deductions for student loan interest and educator expenses, this year, Direct File will support taxpayers claiming deductions for Health Savings Accounts. The Treasury Department estimates that more than 30 million taxpayers will be eligible to use Direct File across the 25 states. 

Direct File is a web-based service that works on mobile phones, laptops, tablets or desktop computers. It guides taxpayers through a series of questions to prepare their federal tax return step-by-step. Last year, thousands of Direct File users got help from IRS customer service representatives through a live chat feature in English and Spanish. Once taxpayers have completed their federal tax return, the Direct File system automatically guides them to state tools to complete their state tax filings.

Social Security Fairness Act

On January 5th, 2025, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law! This bipartisan legislation eliminates the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduces Social Security benefits for workers who receive a public pension. The bill also repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which reduces Social Security survivor or spousal benefits for persons whose spouse has or had a public pension. The changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculations made by this legislation will apply to monthly benefits accrued in January 2024 and beyond.

I have been fighting to repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) for decades. Public employees who qualify for Social Security based on their, or a spouse’s, work history should not be penalized by having their earned benefits reduced. As a Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the House Democratic Task Force on Aging and Families, I will continue to fight for policies that support public employees and their families.

This new law involves multiple federal agencies and is a large undertaking by Social Security. Social Security is in the process of creating and implementing the new method of benefit calculation and will not be able to distribute the money owed to those impacted by this legislation until that method is finalized. As soon as this process is completed, those who are impacted by this will see an increase to their current benefits, as well as a lump sum for the retroactive benefits that are due from January 2024 until the time of implementation.

For now, it is my understanding that, as a benefit recipient, you do not need to do anything yet. It is suggested that everyone set up a SSA account on the Social Security website, SSA.gov, so that you are able to stay informed, and I will include updates in my Plans and Pans as l learn more!

Passport Renewal

Remember to check your passport validity before booking any travel plans! Current processing times for passports are: 4-6 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.