Updates from Washington

District IRA Savings

I know rising prices are squeezing too many families in Illinois. With the historic Inflation Reduction Act, we are lowering drug prices, energy costs, and health insurance premiums for you. The Inflation Reduction Act secures access to affordable healthcare for 12,000 people in our district. It will also lower ACA premiums in our district by an average of $936 and cap monthly insulin expenses at $35 per month, limits out-of-pocket annual drug costs at $2,000 and makes cost-saving prescription drug reforms for more than 102,000 Medicare beneficiaries in our district.

March of Dimes Maternal Care Deserts Report

Last week, March of Dimes released their 2022 Maternal Care Deserts report, which shows a troubling lack of access to maternal care in Illinois and across the country. 36% of counties in the U.S. are "maternity care deserts," meaning they have no obstetric hospitals or birth centers and no obstetric providers. The maternal mortality crisis is already severe, and as a result of the Dobbs decision, it will only get worse.

I’m working to include maternal care investments in the end-of-year spending package, including my bill to mandate 12 full months of postpartum coverage in every single state for women using Medicaid.

Updates from District

Congressional Youth Cabinet Meeting

I had a great meeting with the Second District Congressional Youth Cabinet members who took time on a Saturday to discuss their thoughts about solving gun violence in their communities and what steps can be taken by legislators to help with this problem. This year we have 15 amazing students representing 13 different schools part of the Congressional Youth Cabinet. I always value hearing from students and how we can work together to ensure our communities thrive for generations to come.

Job Fair

On Thursday, October 27th, I will be hosting a Job Fair at South Suburban College in South Holland. I will be joined by local employers who are actively hiring for vacant roles. Bring your resume and come find your next employment opportunity! RSVP at bit.ly/KellyJobFair.

Housing Fair

On Saturday, October 29th, I will be hosting a Housing Expo in Hazel Crest. We will cover topics from home renovation to navigating the housing market. This is a great opportunity to connect with local housing resource providers. RSVP at bit.ly/IL02HousingExpo2.

App Challenge

Registration is now open for the Congressional App Challenge. Now through November 1st, students in grades 6-12 can submit an original app design for consideration to represent the Second Congressional District in Washington, D.C. More information is available at www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us.

Service Academy Nominations

High school seniors interested in attending the United States Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy or Military Academy should apply for a nomination by January 9, 2023. Applications include: a completed application form, official high school transcripts, official SAT/ACT scores, three recommendation letters, personal essay & current photo.

Applications are available at: https://robinkelly.house.gov/services/academy-nominations