This Congress, I’m proud to have delivered watershed legislation for Chicagoland. The American Rescue Plan saved small businesses, funded our city’s COVID response, and kept local governments afloat. As a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I helped author the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act, which includes $11.3 billion for Illinois’ roads, bridges, airports, pedestrian infrastructure, and transit systems like CTA, Metra, and Pace.
Our work to enact progressive legislation to advance racial and economic justice has continued this year, as we face the accumulating challenges of the pandemic, rising costs, and attacks on our democracy and rights.
We passed the Inflation Reduction Act, a package that does the most we’ve ever done to create millions of union jobs and promote affordable, sustainable energy production. It also lowers prescription drug prices, caps the price of insulin for Medicare recipients, and more than pays for itself by making billionaires pay their fair share. Still, it’s disappointing we did not have the votes in the Senate to go further to address the climate crisis, tackle immigration reform, expand affordable housing, or establish universal childcare.
In the wake of the Buffalo, Uvalde, and Highland Park mass shootings, and as gun violence continues to tear our communities apart, Congress finally passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, legislation to enhance background checks, help keep guns away from domestic abusers, and invest in mental health and support after traumatic events. But there is still an urgent need for comprehensive legislation that builds on the package we passed. I also voted for the Assault Weapons Ban when it passed the House and support its final passage.
Earlier this year, a Supreme Court decision overturned Roe v. Wade, part of a longer, coordinated attack on abortion rights and reproductive freedom. While Illinois has strong protections for reproductive rights, the same cannot be said at the federal level. I voted for the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify the right to abortion nationally and to protect the right to travel for abortion care between states.
I wish you and your family a safe holiday season. It is an honor to be your representative.
In solidarity,
Jesús G. “Chuy” García
PS: As we prepare for the next Congress, my office on the North Side (5624 W. Diversey Ave) has closed as of December 14. My South Side office (4376 S. Archer Ave) remains open and you can call us at that location at (773) 475-0833. Stay tuned for information on the opening of my new office in Melrose Park!
Resource Guide
Unemployment: The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is processing unemployment claims online here.
Food: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you and your family purchase groceries. To check your eligibility or to apply, visit abe.illinois.gov or call 844-600-7627.
CPS is providing meals at over 270 schools across Chicago. Click here for locations and pickup details.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Click here to learn more about the federal student loan forgiveness program and see if you are eligible.
Social Security and Senior Services: Our office can connect you with federal support services and resources available to older adults.
Citizenship Workshops: My office partners with local organizations to host citizenship workshops throughout the year. Click here to learn more about how to attend.
