Dear Friends,

This has been a very exciting week in Washington!  

I had the honor of attending President Biden’s State of the Union address where he spoke about all the progress we have made and the new issues we will take on in the upcoming legislative session.  

Democrats have made strides in infrastructure, health care, and building an economy that works for everyone. Health care costs have gone down by an average of $800 per person and wages are going up for working people. I look forward to keeping our economy strong for this coming year in Congress. 

I had the honor of bringing Annette Nance-Holt as my guest to the State of the Union. Annette is a trailblazer in her community. In 2007, she lost her son Blair to a tragic shooting while he was on a CTA bus leaving his school. In response, she founded a support, education, and advocacy group with fellow gun violence survivor Pam Bosley and other parents, calling the group Purpose Over Pain. The group continues to serve survivors of our nation’s gun violence epidemic in the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs. She broke the glass ceiling in Chicago when she became the first woman and first Black woman to ever lead the Chicago Fire Department, with Mayor Lori Lightfoot nominating her as Fire Commissioner in 2021. 

 Commissioner Nance-Holt, Leader Jeffries, & Congresswoman Kelly.

Annette and I were particularly interested to hear President Biden’s plans to prevent future tragedies like the one that took her son’s life. Annette and I have stood side by side for years, fighting for and passing common-sense gun safety legislation in the House of Representatives. 

President Biden delivered a clear vision to move our country forward. I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver on that vision.  

As always, my priority is you, the people of the Second District of Illinois. Whether it is bringing a new infrastructure project, expanding access to health care, or making our communities safer; I will continue to deliver for you.  

Wishing you a safe and happy weekend,

Robin L. Kelly
Member of Congress