Duckworth Diary - December 13, 2013
Statement
Dear Neighbors,
This week, I met with members of the Service Employees International Union from Illinois to discuss the importance of properly funding programs that are integral to our lower-income and middle-class families, such as Head Start and SNAP (formerly known as food stamps). Many of them shared with me their devastating firsthand accounts on how badly the sequester is affecting children and parents who depend on child care centers. I also shared with them my personal story of being on food stamps, one of the reasons I will continue to fight for these families in the Congress.
I also spent a full day fasting in solidarity with the organization Fast4Families to help bring attention to the importance of immigration reform. Immigration activists from this organization fasted for 22 days in November and December to raise awareness on this issue.
On Thursday, I voted in favor of the House budget conference committee deal. This agreement allows our nation to move forward and reduce some of the most damaging cuts from the sequester. I am disappointed, however, that the agreement does not extend unemployment insurance for more than 230,000 residents of Illinois that need it, leaves much of the sequester in place, and does not close tax loopholes that prevent large corporations from paying their fair share.
On Friday, I hosted a Teletown Hall meeting on the topic of Social Security and Medicare. I was pleased to have such a productive conversation with my constituents about the importance of preserving these crucial programs.
I am happy to be able to spend this coming week back at home. This Saturday, I am hosting a Holiday Open House at my district office from 12 pm -- 2 pm. Please stop by if you are able.
I am hosting three great events in the district next week: a Consumer Protection Seminar, a Women in Business networking event and panel, and a Veterans forum. If you would like to attend these events or would like more information, please call my district office at 847-413-1959.
I hope you had a great week.
Sincerely,
Congresswoman Duckworth
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