Jan's Plans & Pans - September 19, 2022

Dear John xxxxxx,

When Republicans promise to take away basic freedoms, we must believe them. Last week, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced legislation that would ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, nationwide. Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) introduced a bill which would give pharmacists freer rein to refuse to provide medication they suspect could be used to terminate a pregnancy. While these bills are not likely to pass, we can see my colleagues' intentions. We knew that when the rogue Supreme Court overturned Roe, extremists would not stop there. Republicans in Congress want to strip away abortion rights from every single person in the United States. We will not go back.

As I am sure you have seen, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has sent over 500 migrants from Texas to Chicago as part of what he has called a protest of federal immigration policies. As a first-generation American, I am proud to represent one of the most diverse districts in the nation. We are a community of immigrants. Many of these new arrivals came with their families, including small children and infants, and they fled poverty, persecution, and violence. I am committed to working with city and state officials throughout this process and in Congress will continue fighting for immigration reform that treats everyone with respect and provides a permanent solution for people looking for a safer, better life.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, let us remember that Hispanic heritage is American heritage, and our diversity is our strength. I am proud to fight every day for human rights, civil rights, and immigrants’ rights. When we fight, we win! Cuando luchamos, ganamos!

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.

Have a great start to the week!

Sincerely,

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The U.S. Department of Education has implemented temporary changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program rules that make it easier for federal student loan borrowers to receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify for forgiveness. These changes end on October 31, 2022. Millions of non-profit and government employees have federal student loans and may now be eligible for loan forgiveness or additional credit through the temporary changes, known as the Limited PSLF Waiver. But they must apply before the deadline. This means some borrowers will need to consolidate and/or submit a PSLF form – the single application used for a review of employment certification, payment counts, and processing of forgiveness – on or before October 31, 2022, to have previously ineligible payments counted. After October 31, 2022, normal PSLF rules will apply. Borrowers can learn more and check their eligibility at www.studentaid.gov/pslfwaiver.