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.
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WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement on her decision to boycott President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress:
“We are living in unprecedented times. We have a President of the United States who thinks he has unilateral power and is breaking our laws and violating our constitution day in and day out. This is not business as usual and I refuse to normalize his egregious language and behavior.
Constituents have been calling me all day to share just how important Medicaid is to them and their families. Whether it helps pay for their caregiver or their medication, Medicaid is a lifesaver. To my GOP colleagues, I know you are getting these calls too. Americans' health care is more important than billionaire tax cuts.
President Donald Trump promised to lower the high cost of living in the United States, and he has done the exact opposite. The chaos, confusion, and fear Trump has unleashed during his first month in office has not improved the quality of life of the American people. But billionaires? They are getting more tax cuts. Trump and Elon Musk would rather gut lifesaving programs and agencies than ask the rich to pay their fair share.
President Donald Trump’s decision to place unelected billionaire co-President Elon Musk in charge of gutting federal agencies is an unconstitutional power grab that jeopardizes the livelihoods of all Americans and makes the world less safe.
The chaos, confusion, and fear caused by the Trump Administration is having real impacts. My office has received thousands of calls from constituents who are concerned that Musk and his team have been empowered and given unrestricted access to Americans’ tax dollars.
On Monday, President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States and, almost immediately, issued a slew of executive orders that attack our fundamental freedoms.
On Friday, I voted in favor of a continuing resolution to keep our government open and funded. While the continuing resolution did not include everything I had initially wanted, we could not let the government shut down. A government shutdown right before the holidays would have forced our troops to work without pay, harmed small businesses, risked air travel disruptions, endangered access to food assistance for millions of mothers and their children, and so much more.
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement on the continuing resolution to keep government programs and services functioning until March 14, 2025:
Thank you to the people of Illinois’ 9th Congressional District for once again choosing me to be your voice in Congress. It truly is the honor of a lifetime! The fight for equal rights for all, an economy that works for everyday Americans, not just the rich, reproductive rights, and environmental protections goes on. Keep the faith. Let's get to work.
A fundamental building block of our democracy is the right of American citizens to vote and choose their representatives. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. If you need information on your polling place, or would like to locate a ballot drop box location, please go to Elections.IL.Gov. I encourage everyone to make their voice heard if you have not already.