Jan's Plans & Pans - March 12, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

During his State of the Union address last Thursday, President Joe Biden emphasized that America is a story of progress, possibilities, and resilience. He delivered a strong speech that detailed how far we have come under his leadership, the hurdles we have cleared, and his bold, optimistic vision for the future. 

Since taking office, President Biden has created 15 million jobs, growing the country from the bottom up and middle out. Medicare can now negotiate drug prices for prescription drugs. Insulin has been capped at $35/month for seniors. Nearly $138 billion in student loans have been canceled for nearly 4 million Americans. We are building an America where all people can thrive.

I was thrilled that President Biden once again reaffirmed his unwavering support for reproductive justice, including reinstating the protection of Roe v. Wade and implementing an expanded Child Tax Credit. He made it clear that the future of our nation and democracy is at stake, and that we must come together to defend the rights and freedoms that right-wing extremists and the twice-impeached former President are actively seeking to strip away from us.

Despite these turbulent times, I am hopeful for the future of our country. I am inspired every day by Americans who care so deeply about upholding democracy and advancing progressive values. Our optimism and unity are our strength. Let's keep up the fight!

Take care,

Schakowsky Helps Pass Six-Bill Appropriations Package

After months of far-right extremists hijacking our appropriations process and threatening to shut down the government, we finally passed a bipartisan funding package that will benefit everyday families, veterans, WIC recipients, and more. Democrats successfully fought off the hundreds of poison pill riders that extremist Republicans sought to bury in the bill that would have attacked Americans’ fundamental freedoms, like women’s health care and gender-affirming care. 

The icing on the cake is this bill will directly invest more than $17 million into the 9th Congressional District of Illinois through Community Project Funding that will help grow our local public institutions and community centers.

Virtual Tax Filing Webinar Hosted by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

It is tax filing season! Join Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and the IRS for a webinar focused on all the information you need to know as you prepare to file your taxes. Bring your questions! 

Tuesday, March 26, 2024
6:00 PM CT
Online via Zoom

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by clicking here. 

Participate in the 2024 Congressional Art Competition!

The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District (IL-09). This competition is open to all high school students that reside in our District. The winners of each District’s competition will have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to take part in a special ceremony with other winners from around the country. 

For students interested in participating in the 9th Congressional District's Competition, please submit this google form. Rules and guidelines for the 2024 competition are available here and the student release form is available here. Additionally, a helpful art submission checklist can be found here.

If you have any questions, please call my district office at 773-506-7100!

My district office helped a constituent with a Social Security and Medicare issue:

"Thank you so much for staying through the entire process to completion of my Social Security/Medicare issue. Its been a long process for me and my wife (nearly two years of obstacles). Your direct support helped make it all successful for us. It couldn't have worked out anymore positively. Your office quickly began the necessary communications to help us resolve our complications. Within approximately a month, during the difficult holiday period, as well. Finding out on our 46th Anniversary made it even more extra special. Your support was instrumental for us. I was having difficulty with all the inherent red tape. Thanks again, for all your support and efforts!"

Arturo Blake Sr., Constituent

Inflation Reduction Action Prescription Drug Benefits 

• diabetes
• blood clots
• heat disease
• heart failure
• autoimmune diseases
• chronic kidney disease

New Student Debt Relief Initiative

My Congressional Progressive Caucus colleagues and I have made student debt cancellation a priority in Congress. That is why I am excited to share that President Joe Biden announced a major new initiative.

Starting this month, if you took out less than $12,000 in loans and have been in repayment for 10 years, ALL of your debt will be canceled.

That is right — your loan balance could go down to zero.

To get that relief and other options for major monthly reductions to your loan payments, you need to be enrolled in the Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. This is the same plan that ensures no borrower who makes less than $15 an hour will have to make any student loan payments. It will also make sure that interest does not pile up and increase your debt amount, and that your spouse's income can't be used to drive up your payment amount.

Sign up for the SAVE Plan today so you get this relief before your next payment is due.

Inflation Reduction Act Consumer Energy Benefits

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which Democrats in Congress and President Joe Biden passed, has made cost-saving benefits available right now, including: 

• 30% back for the cost of many clean energy upgrades to your home, including solar panels, water heaters, and battery storage, no matter the price.
• Up to $1,200 to add insulation, install new exterior windows and doors, or other improvements that increase the energy efficiency of your home.
• Up to $2,000 for a new heat pump (which can provide efficient air conditioning and heating) as well as a heat-pump water heater.
• 30% off the cost of installing a new electric vehicle charger if you live in a underserved community.

Passport Renewal

Remember to check your passport validity before booking any spring and summer travel plans! Current processing times for passports are: 6-8 weeks for routine and 2-3 weeks for expedited. These times are subject to change and are posted on the Dept. of State Website.  Please apply well in advance of your travel date – if your travel date is sooner than the current processing times, you may not get your passport in time for travel.

Please remember that emergency in-person appointments at the Chicago Passport Agency are intended for emergencies and availability is not guaranteed unless it is a life or death emergency! These appointments are not and have never been intended for routine renewal. If you have upcoming travel you should NOT plan on receiving an appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency. Passport renewals are intended to go through the mail. 

Did you know that many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your date of travel? Depending on your destination, validity requirements can vary from 3 to 6 months beyond the date of travel! You can check the requirements for your destination on the Dept. of State Website under "International Travel" and "Country Information".

If you have planned travel and have a pending application that may not arrive on time, or if you need an emergency appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency, the Constituent Advocates in my District Office are happy to help! Please call the office at 773-506-7100, or you can open a case with my office online.