Jan's Plans & Pans - November 13, 2022

Dear John xxxxxx,

I would like to thank the people of Illinois’ 9th Congressional District for choosing me, once again, to be your voice in Congress. It is truly an honor! I will continue to fight for a more equitable and just world. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance. 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.

On Wednesday, I attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the remodeled gym at my alma mater, Sullivan High School. The gym features a new scoreboard, backboards, bleachers, and floors. I am truly honored because Sullivan decided to name the gym, the Jan Schakowsky Gymnasium! I tried out for the Sullivan High School cheerleading team twice. Unfortunately, I did not make the squad either time. But that did not stop me! Ever since, I have dedicated my life to cheering on the Sullivan Tigers. Words cannot express how much this means to me.

Thanks to the dedication of my colleagues, the dynamic leadership of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric, and the urgency to protect our children, President Biden was able to sign into law multiple pieces of legislation that will protect babies and promote safe sleeping practices. Nearly 200 deaths have been linked to crib bumpers and infant inclined sleep products. As of Saturday, these dangerous products are banned thanks to the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, which I introduced with Rep. Tony Cárdenas. Finally, families will have the peace of mind they deserve when purchasing new products for their newborns.

As a proud dues-paying union member myself, I am proud that workers at nearly 250 Starbucks locations across 38 states have voted to join Starbucks Workers United. But, in a June letter to employees, Starbucks said that they cannot ensure benefits for employees at unionized stores because contracts need to be negotiated. Rep. Chuy García, and I led 26 of our colleagues in a letter to Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz demanding clear guidance on the company’s new policy reimbursing workers for travel expenses related to abortions. We need assurance that this benefit will be available to all employees regardless of union status. Just last month, Starbucks closed a location in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago four days after its employees were scheduled to start bargaining for their first union contract.

On Friday, we paid tribute to our veterans, the men and women who bravely answered the call of duty to ensure the well-being and security of our great nation. Not only do veterans deserve our respect and recognition, but they also deserve to know that we have their backs. Let us honor our veterans every day by living up to their example — putting service before self-interest.

Once again, I want to thank you for electing me to serve as your voice in the United States House of Representatives. I hope you all have a great week!

Sincerely,

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Photos from Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at Jan Schakowsky Gymnasium