Jan's Plans & Pans - April 18, 2023

For the first time since 1996, the Democratic National Convention is set to take place in Chicago! Reports show that the 2024 convention is expected to provide a well-needed $150 million boost to our economy. The eyes of the world will be watching, and I cannot wait to show off our magnificent city.

In the richest country in the world at the richest time in history, no one should be denied access to health care simply because of their immigration status — and especially those who have known no other home but the United States. The Biden administration just announced that they will grant eligibility for health care coverage to DACA recipients. This is fantastic news! I have been fighting for this issue for a long time. Next stop: a pathway to citizenship!

The statistics speak for themselves. Over the last two decades, more school-aged kids have died from guns than on-duty police officers and active-duty military combined.  Last Wednesday, I joined members of the McHenry County Chapter of Moms Demand Action, many of whom are educators or former educators, to discuss what steps we can take to protect our communities. Tragically, after the meeting, I got home and learned of a shooting in Evanston in which an 18-year-old was killed, and two 15-year-olds were injured. We are facing a gun violence epidemic. We need commonsense gun laws now.