Jan's Plans & Pans - September 11, 2022

Dear John xxxxxx,

On this day, 21 years ago, thousands of innocent Americans lost their lives in a devastating terrorist attack that changed our country, and the world, forever. The people we lost that day were first responders who risked their lives to save others, working moms and dads trying to make a living for their families, students hoping to gain knowledge to better serve their country, essential workers keeping our society moving, and everyone in between. We honor and mourn the lives we lost that day in New York, Washington, D.C., and those in Shanksville, PA, who heroically sacrificed their lives to save others. Now, in a time where partisanship is heightened and our trust in one another has diminished, we must remember what we all have in common: we are Americans. We may come from different backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures, but we all call this country home. Let’s honor those we lost by joining forces to create a better nation for all.

This past week, I hosted a gun violence listening session at the Glenview Public Library. I heard from students from Glenbrook South, New Trier, and Maine West. I also spoke with advocates from Moms Demand Action. What I heard in that room was power. Students and activists have had enough. Bulletproof backpacks, active shooter drills, and planned escape routes. These are just some of the things our students are forced to deal with. Kids no longer feel safe in school. We can’t sit back. We need action, and we need it now. I am committed to making a change. Our future generations are depending on us.

I also spent some time this week talking with parents and staff at the JCC Chicago Early Childhood Collaborative about the rising costs of child care. In Illinois, there are more than 250,000 children that cannot access child care due to higher costs and lower availability. All families deserve access to affordable early childhood education and teachers deserve higher wages.

If you need any assistance with a federal agency, whether it be a Social Security problem, an immigration case, or a postal issue, just to name a few, my office is here to help. Head to my website for further assistance and information.

Take care, and I will talk to you soon!

Sincerely,