|
Dear Constituent,
It is always a pleasure to write to inform you of the work that I came to Washington to do. As I work on your behalf for comprehensive and impactful legislation; I maintain the commitment to make you proud to call me your Congressman. This year I set forth a strong legislative agenda that promotes stability at home in Chicago, Midlothian and every part of my district. I seek to reach across the aisle for bipartisan support and work toward a better future for all Americans.
Although, it disappoints to write you about recent legislation passed in the House that will change healthcare laws and undermine the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. I voted in opposition to both bills because they do not serve to protect the American worker and our families. H.R.30 will sabotage American workers and will provide a major change in the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that larger employers offer health coverage to employees who work 30 or more hours a week or face a penalty. The House just approved raising the threshold to 40 hours instead. Repealing the hours of the work week will cost 1 million Americans their employer-sponsored coverage and increase the number of uninsured by up to 500,000 (according to Congressional Budget Office). H.R. 37 delays for two years the deadline for banks to divest Collaterialized Loan Obligations (CLOs). CLOs are complex contracts generally used to sell leveraged loans, a class of assets that have been the subject of multiple recent warnings from regulators due to their risks. This means for you as a taxpayer that new rules will not prevent institutions from taking excessive risks through proprietary trading and fund investing, and taxpayers should not have to wait that long to have limits in place that protect them from risky practices.
That is why this year you will hear more from me as I look for creative ways to connect with you. I hope that you will also express your opinions and concerns with me. I look forward to continuing this journey with you and making sure that you are in the know.
District News
2015 Utility Assistance Fair
Congressman Rush will host the 2015 Utility Assistance Fair next month to focus on the needs of his constituents. CEDA, ComEd and People Gas representatives will assist constituents with billing, funding and customer programs. To prepare for the upcoming fair please bring the following information:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to the application date.
- Copy of most recent heat and electric bills if you pay for your home energy directly. (Must provide entire bill)
- Proof of Social Security Numbers of all household members.
- If a member of your household receives TANF, you must bring their Medical Card.
- Applicants that have their utilities included in the rent must bring copy of rental agreement which states monthly rental amount, that utilities are included, and landlord contact information. (Rent costs must be greater than 30% of household gross income for 30 days prior to application).
The fair is Saturday, February 28, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It will take place at Kennedy-King Community College located at 6301 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60621.
Congressional Art Competition
Each spring, Representative Rush sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.
Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.
If you know of a high school student interested in participating this year’s art competition view the following details:
- Review the 2015 Art Competition Guidelines for Students and Teachers.
- Visit your rush.house.gov to complete the 2015 Student Information/Release Form.
- Follow the Art Submission Checklist.
- Submit to your work by the deadline specified on Congressman Rush’s website.
Military Academy Day
The annual Military Academy Day will take place March 9, 2015 at the Carter G. Woodson Chicago Public Library located at 9525 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60628.
Congressional nominations are required for Service Academy appointments unless a student receives a nomination from another accepted category. Members of Congress may nominate up to 10 individuals to compete for each vacancy. As a member of Congress, the Vice President is allotted five nominees to attend each Academy at any one time. Every U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator is also allotted five constituents to attend the Academies at any one time.
To increase your chances of receiving the necessary Congressional nominations, you should apply for a nomination from your U.S. representative, your two U.S. senators, and the vice president. If applicable, students should also look into eligibility for a nomination in one or more of the non-Congressional categories. Be aware that a Congressional nomination does not guarantee that students will receive their Service Academy appointments.
You can then access Congressman Rush’s website http://rush.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations for specifics on application procedures and deadlines.
Congressman Rush awards Congressional nominations based upon a combination of academic achievement, leadership performance, and subjective determination.
A Service Academy Coach can assist in giving you the guidance and recommendations to improve your profile and increase your chances of receiving a Congressional nomination. If you have any questions regarding these facts and tips and would like to understand how to improve your chances of earning a Congressional nomination, please contact us in our district office at 773-224-6500.
Legislation
The following are bills sponsored or cosponsored by Congressman Rush in the 114th Congress:
- The United States-Cuba Normalization Act
- The D.A.T.A. Act
- Minority Small Business Enhancement Act
- Presidential Commission on Intercollegiate Athletic
Please visit http://www.congress.gov for more bills sponsored or cosponsored by Congressman Rush.
|
