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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In recent years, Americans have become increasingly concerned that their data is being exploited and abused. These concerns are warranted because weak laws have allowed Big Tech to invade people’s privacy. The very narrow TikTok bill we voted on last week, which Republicans rushed to the floor for a vote under the guise of protecting our national security, fails to ensure that all tech companies and data brokers are taking the steps necessary to protect Americans’ privacy and data.
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. Meeting with constituents has always been one of my favorite parts of my job, and it was truly a fabulous week.
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. We discussed many issues, including the importance of lowering costs for Americans, protecting workers’ rights and unions, restoring reproductive freedom, and regulating Big Tech.
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. This is now the third time that Democrats have stepped up to prevent a shutdown. With the passage of this legislation, we have extended the deadlines to pass our appropriations bills to March 1st and March 8th.
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.