Seniors
Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old. As the Co-Chair of the House Democrats Task Force on Aging and Families in the House of Representatives, I believe it is essential that we nurture a culture that respects older Americans and that protects the financial and health security that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid provide.
Older Americans have spent many years working to raise families, pay their taxes, protect our country and build our communities. They have the right to the benefits that they have earned and to know that they will have the resources they need in retirement. That is why I so strongly oppose efforts to privatize Social Security or reduce benefits, to turn Medicare over to private insurance companies and turn it into "vouchercare", or jeopardize access to long-term care services by cutting Medicaid and turning it into a block grant. We can ensure the longevity of these programs by making them more efficient. We do not need to cut benefits.
I am also committed to expanding access to the full range of long-term care services and supports, and helping seniors age in place within their own communities. We must build upon the Older Americans Act to meet those needs.
More on Seniors
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, announced the introduction of a package of legislation to address serious problems that have emerged during the COVID-19 crisis.
During the Energy and Commerce Committee Oversight hearing on COVID-19 vaccine distribution, I asked IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike how more state and local funding would boost distribution in Illinois.
This week, I update you on the latest actions of the Biden Administration, and talk about some of the concerns we have within Congress of one of our own members.
EVANSTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Energy and Commerce Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, introduced the bipartisan Advancing Connectivity during the Coronavirus to Ensure Support for Seniors (ACCESS) Act. Nursing homes provide essential care to our most vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities – the population hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
EVANSTON - Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, and Co-Chair of the House Democratic Task Force on Aging and Families, and Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA), Chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee have introduced the Quality Care for Nursing Home Residents and Workers During COVID-19 and Beyond Act.
This week, I talk about the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
EVANSTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Co-Chair of the House Democrats Task Force on Aging and Families, blasted President Trump for commuting the sentence of Philip Esformes who was convicted for what the Department of Justice called "the largest single health care bribery and kickback scheme in American history":
WASHINGTON – On Monday, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, voted for legislation to provide relief to families and small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation passed also includes comprehensive funding language to keep the federal government in operation through the 2021 fiscal year.
According to a November 2019 Gallup poll, approximately 58 million Americans were unable to pay for prescribed medicine in the last 12 months. And, at least 34 million people know of at least one friend or family member in the last five years who died after not receiving medical treatment, due to their inability to pay for it. Thousands of seniors die each year prematurely because they cannot afford their medications, with that number projected to hit 112,000 by 2030. Prescription drug prices are literally killing Americans.
Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I give some updates on the Presidential transition, Coronavirus numbers, and some other updates.