Jan's Plans & Pans - April 23, 2024

Dear John xxxxxx,

This week was a big week in the House of Representatives! Thanks to the passage of the National Security Supplemental package, Congress took a major step towards giving our allies the assistance they need, standing up to global aggressors and bad actors like Russia, Iran, and Hamas, and getting desperately needed aid to civilians around the globe.

We also had a fantastic hearing in my Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee on data privacy. Democrats, Republicans, and experts agree that we need comprehensive privacy legislation, and the American Privacy Rights Act - which built off of the hard work I did last Congress with the American Data Privacy and Protection Act - is an important step forward.

Further, I was able to participate in another important hearing focused on Medicare Advantage overpayments. Private, for-profit insurance, also known as Medicare Advantage, denies care to hundreds of thousands of people every year. When appealed, over 80% of these denials get overturned. This is wrong. People should always come before profits. It is clear that we need more oversight of Medicare Advantage.

Please stay tuned for my latest updates!

Be well,

Schakowsky Fights Back Against Proposed Cuts to Social Security

Social Security is your hard-earned money, it is not an entitlement. Extremists have made it clear that they want to raise the retirement age. It is theft and we cannot stand for it. Americans deserve to retire with dignity and respect. 

Schakowsky Stands with Ukraine

It is long past time that we provide Ukraine with the additional support needed in its fight against Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion and tyranny. Today and every day, I stand with Ukraine and stand for democracy and freedom around the globe.

Schakowsky Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Junk Fees and Lowering Costs

Consumers need our help! Thanks to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, FTC Chair Lina Khan, and all the Illinois consumer protection advocates who joined me for a conversation on junk fees and lowering costs. Increased competition will help lower prices and create a fairer playing field for everyone.

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

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.

If you have taken 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.

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.