Education
As a former elementary school teacher, I believe that we need to ensure that all children have fair, equal access to a high-quality public education. The future of our economy and the success of our country depend on a renewed commitment to public education. Policymakers need to work in partnership with teachers, parents, academics, administrators and students to build an adequately funded system to educate all our children. Lifelong education, beginning with 3-and 4-year olds and continuing through vocational training, community college, bachelor degrees and beyond, should be affordable and available for all Americans. I believe we should respect our nation's teachers and provide them with decent wages, benefits and the right to unionize.
Rep. Schakowsky with Congressional Artistic Discovery Contest Winners & Participants
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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.
Last week was another busy week in the 9th Congressional District! I love being out and about in the district, and this week was particularly exciting. I spent quite a bit of time in the newer parts of my district, McHenry and Lake Counties, and I also had the opportunity to meet with two different groups of high school students to discuss issues that are on their minds.
I had the great pleasure of joining my Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives at the 2024 Issues Conference in Leesburg, Virginia. This was a time for Democrats to come together to discuss the issues that matter most to Americans. We heard from incredible speakers, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
I had an absolutely fabulous week back home in the 9th Congressional District! I love getting to be out and about in our community, whether I am visiting a school, touring a non-profit organization, or meeting with local elected officials.
Once again, House Democrats saved the day by helping pass a continuing resolution, averting a catastrophic shutdown of the government. A total of 106 Republicans, nearly half of the entire House Republican Conference, voted against the continuing resolution and were prepared for a government shutdown.
One week ago, Hamas launched a horrific attack against Israel, committing unspeakable terrorism and inflicting the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. As a Jew, this is extremely painful and personal for me. We must all stand united and unequivocally condemn the vicious attack carried out by Hamas.
Last week, I voted against another ridiculous, xenophobic bill put forward by the House Republicans. The Schools Not Shelters Act is designed to bar schools and universities from giving shelter to asylum seekers, and it is a thinly veiled attempt to demonize immigrants seeking a better life in the United States.
I wish I could tell you that we have reached an agreement on raising the debt ceiling, which is really agreeing to continue paying the debts of the United States, but Republicans continue to insist on massive budget cuts. Cuts which, among many things, would strip health care from thousands of America’s veterans, seniors, and children.