Jan's Plans & Pans - March 27, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

After months of far-right extremists hijacking our appropriations process, Congress has completed the final part of the FY 2024 budget, which will help Americans deal with high prices, sides with the hard-working middle class, protects women’s rights, and reinforces America’s global leadership. I am pleased to report that my final community project funding request was approved, which means, in total, I will be bringing home nearly $19 million to the 9th Congressional District of Illinois. The majority of House Republicans, 112 to be exact, voted against this package, and therefore, to shut down our government. Thanks to the Democrats, we were able to get this over the finish line and keep our government open.

Democrats fought hard to expand crucial investments that matter to everyday families and help support our workers, rejecting devastating cuts to our climate and more. The agreement includes an increase of $1 billion for child care and Head Start, a $1 billion increase in climate and energy resiliency, and increased funding for high poverty schools and students with disabilities.

As always, Democrats stood strong and fought back against hundreds of extreme poison pill policy riders that would have come after fundamental freedoms, including LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive health care.

Despite the many positive provisions in this minibus that fund our government and help American families, I am deeply disappointed that several harmful border and immigration provisions were included. What we need is comprehensive immigration reform. I am also disappointed that urgently needed funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which helps deliver critical humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, was not included. I will keep fighting to ensure this funding is restored and that the humanitarian needs of Gazans are met.

As we now turn our focus to the next funding year, I will continue to fight for a budget that prioritizes everyday Americans.

Have a great rest of the week,

Schakowsky Advances Legislation to Help Protect Americans' Online Data

For too long, people’s private information has been sold and traded without their knowledge. The House voted unanimously to prevent data brokers from selling American data to adversaries, giving us more privacy online. This is a good step, but we need comprehensive data privacy legislation.

Schakowsky Visits Amundsen High School

It was great to be back at Amundsen High School in Chicago to speak with an auditorium full of juniors. It is so inspiring listening to our young people and hearing what’s on their minds. No issue is ever too small. I am glad they are making their voices heard. Our future is so bright!⭐️

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

Tips for Avoiding Tax Scams

With tax season in full swing, filers need to be on the lookout for common tax scams. Exercise caution when using third-party websites to “help” you set up an online IRS account. An official account can be made through the IRS website for free. Third-party websites are unnecessary and can put your sensitive financial information at risk!

If you receive an unsolicited message claiming to be the IRS, it may be a phishing attempt! The IRS never reaches out to filers over text, email, or social media. In some cases, scammers pose as IRS officials, sending harmful links which may contain viruses. 

If you encounter any fraudulent activity, be sure to report it to the Treasury Inspector General.

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.