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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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. Chicago is a welcoming community, and we are working hard to house the migrants being bussed to our city by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. My colleagues claim this bill is about protecting children, but it is not, and I was glad to vote against it.
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. The Republicans in Congress are holding our economy and the American people hostage.
In just his first two years in office, President Biden has created over 12 million jobs, lowered prescription drug costs for seniors, invested in our climate, and so much more. At 3.4%, the unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in over 50 years. We are bringing strong, good-paying union jobs back to America. Last week’s State of the Union proved that our best days are yet to come.
On Friday, I voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding legislation. This monumental funding package will have major implications for generations to come.
Thank you to the people of Illinois' 9th Congressional District for choosing me, once again, to be your voice in Congress. It is truly an honor! I will continue to fight for a more equitable and just world. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance. Whether it be a Social Security problem, an immigration case, or a postal issue, just to name a few, my office is here to help.
As you may have heard, Kroger, which owns Mariano's, announced plans to purchase Albertsons, which owns Jewel. This could have major implications for grocery prices in our community. Kroger posted record earnings during the pandemic, including $132 billion in 2020. At the same time, Kroger decreased worker pay by 8.1%. This merger would lead to less competition, even higher grocery prices, and layoffs for employees. We must put American families first. I am proud to join Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in calling on the FTC to block this deal.