Jan's Plans & Pans - January 23, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

Last Thursday, the United States of America reached its debt limit. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that extraordinary measures need to be taken to avoid the United States defaulting on its debts. We must raise the debt ceiling. This is not new spending; it is paying the bill for programs we have already approved. Republicans would rather cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, plus help the rich cheat on their taxes, than follow through with our obligations. It is time my colleagues put the livelihood of Americans first.

Sunday would have marked the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, but the rogue, right-wing extremists on the Supreme Court took away a woman’s fundamental right to make decisions about her own body. We must codify Roe, and once again make abortions safe and legal. We also must ensure that we condemn violence on both sides of the issue. Just last week, a Planned Parenthood in Peoria, Illinois was set on fire. Thankfully, no patients or staff were inside at the time of the arson. House Republicans’ silence on this attack, after their sanctimonious first week previewing their ultimate objective of a national abortion ban, is deafening.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy will forever stand as a reminder of our capacity to make real, lasting change for the betterment of all. This week, I was honored to attend two events celebrating his life. One event was hosted by Mayor Lightfoot, and the second was hosted by civil rights warrior, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a close friend and colleague of Dr. King. Rev. Jackson offered a powerful and inspiring message of hope and action. It is well past time we address the systemic racism that plagues our health, education, criminal justice, and economic systems. Furthermore, we must confront the hate and intolerance that continues to divide us. We are more alike than we are different. We all have a role to play in our pursuit of creating a more equitable nation, one in which our systems work for everyone, not just a wealthy few. One where all Americans can access the ballot box, afford sound and safe housing, obtain an exceptional education, and access quality health care.

As you may be aware, district boundaries have shifted for the 118th Congress. To check and see if I am still your Representative, please click here. If you are in my district and need any assistance from 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.

On what was supposed to be a joyous day celebrating the Lunar New Year, Sunday we awoke to yet another mass shooting, this time in Monterey Park, California. Wishing all those injured a speedy recovery and I’m sending love to the families of the victims.

Be well,

Schakowsky Visits McHenry County

I was glad to spend time in McHenry County at Three Oaks Elementary School and Crystal Lake South High School. I saw the great impact federal dollars have had on expanding technology in the classroom. Plus, I got to meet with so many inspiring students. The next generation is full of changemakers!

Free COVID-19 Tests Available

Thanks to the Biden administration, you can now get four more free Covid-19 at-home test kits delivered to your door. You can order online via the federally run website COVIDTests.gov. Orders will be mailed by USPS, starting this week.

To receive the kits, you only need to provide a U.S. residential address when ordering. You can register your email address for delivery updates, but that is optional.

If you cannot access the internet or need help placing an order, call 1-800-232-0233 to get help in English, Spanish and more than 150 other languages. Call between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT, Monday to Friday and between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT on weekends.