Dear Friend, 

I wanted to update you on my work this past week both in Illinois' Second Congressional District and our nation's capital. This week, I have been working diligently - meeting with our community stakeholders, meeting with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and leading bipartisan legislation that addresses maternal health disparities and prevents maternal death.

Attending the 3rd Police District Council Meeting 

Recently, I attended a meeting of the 3rd Police District Council Meeting to speak with the newly elected council members and the community as Chicago takes the next steps toward community policing and law enforcement accountability. I discussed the need to work as a community to address the epidemic of gun violence in our communities and how true public safety can only be achieved if we invest in our communities.

Celebrating Pride with Equality Illinois 

I participated in Equality Illinois 2023 Pride Month Kick-Off Brunch to celebrate their excellent work advocating for our state's LGBTQ+ community. Equality Illinois has been one of the strongest voices in our state for LBGTQ+ protections, and I'm proud to support their work to make Illinois a more inclusive state. 

Regional Leadership Council Discusses Investing in America Agenda with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra

On Wednesday, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra met with House Democrat's Regional Leadership Council to discuss the ongoing effort to implement policies and programs established by the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and other historic legislation that Democrats enacted last Congress. Meetings like these allow me to hear directly from President Biden's Cabinet and advocate for the needs of our communities.

Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Address Maternal Health Disparities and Prevent Maternal Death

Maternal healthcare has been a passion of mine over the last ten years that I have had the privilege to serve you in Congress. This week, I led the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023 alongside Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA), Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL), and Kathy Castor (D-FL). The Preventing Maternal Deaths Act would assist states in preserving maternal health throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes and finding solutions to enhance health care quality and outcomes for mothers. This legislation is an important step toward ending the crisis of maternal mortality and allowing every family to live happy, healthy, full lives.

Sincerely,

Robin Kelly
Member of Congress