Media

This year marks the 50th anniversaries of Medicare and Medicaid and the 80th anniversary of Social Security. Fifty-seven percent of people on Medicare, 70 percent of adults on Medicaid and 56 percent of Social Security recipients (66 percent of those over 85) are women. Together, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid provide critical health and financial security.

Here are my top 10 reasons why I love them -- and why I am committed to protecting and expanding them for my granddaughters (and grandsons).

Evanston, IL -- Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in remembrance of the Simele Massacre of 1933:

“August 7 marks an important day among the Assyrian community: it is the National Day of Mourning, when the community commemorates the Simele Massacre of 1933.

August 7, 1933 saw the beginning of several days of terror, as forces from the then-Kingdom of Iraq systematically attacked dozens of Assyrian villages, killing many and displacing tens of thousands more.

CHICAGO – Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act being signed into law:

CHICAGO – “The 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement failed to reach a conclusion in Maui, and that is good news for workers and consumers in the United States and around the world. U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman has announced that the efforts to close the deal will continue, however, and that means we must keep up our effort to defeat unfair trade agreements that jeopardize jobs, our health, the environment and even the food we eat.

Rhoda sent in this photo and story of her mother, Violet, who relied on Medicare and Medicaid.

During our 50th Anniversary party last week, I said the following:

Virtually every family in America either has relied, is relying or will rely on Medicare and Medicaid – my family included. I’m proud to carry my Medicare card, and I want to thank John Dingell for his leadership and vision.

CHICAGO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final Clean Power Plan rule to reduce emissions from existing power plants. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response:

Presenting the Congressional Award to Apurva Belsare of Mt. Prospect, with his parents.

CHICAGO – The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. Award winners have to meet goals in Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition or Exploration. Apurva Belsare of Mt. Prospect, Illinois has met and exceeded these goals. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on Apurva’s great accomplishment:

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, 50 years ago, on July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in celebration of the special anniversary: