What a year!
In 2021, we began the 117th Congress and I began my ninth year of Congressional service on behalf of the people of Illinois' Second Congressional District. It is hard to believe that I have been serving in Congress for nearly 10 years because working for you is such an honor and a joy.
I wanted to create this Year in Review report to tell you a little more about what I accomplished for you this year. Of course, this report is not entirely comprehensive, but please know that I am always working to represent you, my constituents, the best I possibly can. The best way to keep in touch with me is to sign up for my newsletter and to follow me on social media. Please use the buttons below to sign up!
I look forward to continuing my work in the second session of the 117th Congress, and I hope to see you very soon in 2022. Happy Holidays! - Your Congresswoman, Robin Kelly.
My offices are always here to help you, whether in Washington DC, Matteson, or Chicago. If you are having issues with a federal agency, my staff can assist with getting help with federal grants, navigating social security, obtaining tickets for tours of the U.S. Capitol and White House, and much more. Even if my office cannot help you directly, my staff would be happy to lead you in the right direction. Please visit my website's Services page to learn how my offices can help you!
This year my team closed nearly 600 cases and recovered more than $1.1 million for my constituents in late social security payments, missing veterans benefits, incorrect tax returns and more. I am so honored to provide casework services for the people of Illinois' second congressional district.
Casework Success Stories
It makes me so happy when constituents provide my staff and me with positive feedback about their experiences with my offices. It makes me even happier when they send pictures to show how much we helped. Take Kyron Wright for example. Kyron's mother contacted my office about an issue with his passport application and a travel date for a marine biology camp that was fast approaching. My staff was able to get his passport delivered just in time to make his flight and Kyron was able to make it to his Marine Biology Camp in the Caribbean.
"Kyron loved learning about all of the different types of corals and sea animals." - Kyron's mother
Reuniting the Lopez Family
My constituent, Francisco Lopez, contacted my office at the beginning of this year regarding an immigration issue involving his mother. In 2019, Francisco's mother had been living in the United States for more than 25 years when she received an appointment located in Juarez, Mexico for her immigration application process. After traveling to Juarez for this appointment, she was not permitted to return to the U.S. The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed her application process and she was not allowed to return to her family in the U.S. for nearly two years.
Once Francisco contacted my office, my team worked with his family and USCIS to reach a resolution in his mother's immigration case. As a result, Francisco's mother was able to reunite with her family in Chicago's South Suburbs in March of this year.
"When I originally applied for Social Security, I misread the application and selected part A Medicare but not part B. After realizing my mistake I was told that penalty fees would be assessed for late enrollment in Part B. Although, it was my enrollment mistake, I came to Rep. Kelly's office to inquire if the penalty fees could be waived. About a month later, the local office called back informing me that I would be enrolled in part B without penalty and a new Medicare card would be issued to me. The bonus was my enrollment date was moved to up and I didn't have to wait six months!" - Paul G., Flossmoor, Illinois
"Congresswoman Robin Kelly her staff are doing an excellent job. I contacted Congresswoman Kelly's office regarding my concern about the Postal Service and not receiving my IRS refund. Rep. Kelly's staff got back to me within a week to let me know everything was done. The next week, I got an answer from IRS and the following week my check was deposited into my account. I started to receive my mail seven days a week after that. Just want to thank everyone for a great job" - Betty M., Chicago, Illinois
Events & Outreach
I love hosting events for my constituents, and I particularly enjoy the events where my colleagues and I get to hear directly from youth in our communities. This summer I convened a Youth Gun Violence Prevention Listening Tour. Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04), Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06), and I convened a roundtable conversation with youth from our districts, moderated by Pastor Mike McBride. Check out our conversation below:
Connecting with you
This year, my team and I hosted more than 40 office-sponsored events and mobile office hours across the district on topics ranging from COVID-19 and health equity, to tax information, to seniors to jobs and economic development.
Additionally, I met with my Small Business Advisory Council, Youth Cabinet, Latino Task Force, and LGBTQ Task Force throughout the year about legislation and community resources needed to advance their priorities.
Visiting District Businesses
When I am not in Washington, I love to visit businesses, schools, and groups within the district. I recently toured Morrison Container Handling Solutions in Glenwood and Plochmann Mustard Manufacturers in Manteno. At these visits, I spoke with workers and managers about how the pandemic has impacted their workforce and supply chain availability.
Telephone Town Hall
Did you join me this month for my Telephone Town Hall to discuss the Build Back Better Act and the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act? Nearly 6,000 people from our district joined us for this important conversation. If you missed it, please check out the recording below!
Art Competition
Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The contest is open to all high school students in my District and every year students submit incredible work. This year's winning artist was Homewood Flossmoor High School's Nailyn Offett with her piece Wave. This beautiful piece of art currently sits in the U.S. Capitol.
IL-02 Local Hero Spotlight
As part of my brand new IL-02 Local Hero Spotlight, I interview extraordinary people who live and/or serve the constituents of Illinois' Second Congressional District. It is a pleasure to have these people live or serve in my district and they truly make me proud to represent this district!
For Hispanic Heritage Month, I wanted to mark the occasion by highlighting Jennica Rodriguez, one of my constituents who is doing so much positive work in the Latino community. Jennica is a proud alumna of DePaul University’s Honors College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Political Science and a minor in Latino Studies. Currently, she serves as the Latinx Student Outreach and Retention Coordinator at Prairie State College.
For Veterans Day, I wanted to highlight a veteran and a veteran's family member from our District. Bill Browne and Rob Guerrera both work hard to serve the people of Illinois.
Bill Browne is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Air Force. He is the former Director of The Cook County Department of Veteran Affairs and was the Cook County President's designee before veterans’ assistance groups.
Rob Guerrera is part of my staff as a Gold Star Family Fellow. Rob is currently the first and only two-time qualifier for the Gold Star Family Program after losing both his Father and his Brother in active-duty military service. He helps build relationships with our local veterans and assists veterans and constituents with Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense casework issues.
Community Projects
As part of my constituent services program, my team and I are involved in a variety of community projects and initiatives to boost the economic development of the communities I serve, provide vital services to residents, and grow and celebrate the rich and diverse culture of our district.
Opening of the Pullman National Monument
It was an honor to attend the Pullman National Monument – Chicago’s only National Park – grand opening of its new Visitors Center in the iconic Clocktower Building. That Labor Day weekend, the park saw over 6,000 visitors and included guests such as Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Governor JB Pritzker, and U.S. Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland.
Since President Obama declared Pullman a National Monument in 2013, the community has enjoyed a remarkable economic renaissance with new retail, industrial, urban agricultural, and recreational investments. The honor of having this National Monument right here in our city is a testament not only to the American laborer but to the many, many residents of Pullman who have worked tirelessly for decades to keep this neighborhood’s rich history alive.
As you may know, Pullman is world famous for being the birthplace of the Labor Day holiday, a prominent site in U.S. Labor Movement history, and home of the first Black union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.
I've introduced legislation, H.R. 2626, to redesignate the Pullman National Monument as the Pullman National Historical Park, which will make this vital cultural site eligible for expanded federal resources and increase tourism. This will also enable the Department of the Interior to support collaborative educational programs at nonfederal historic properties within the boundaries of the park.
The Obama Presidential Center & Library
Ground was broken in 2021 in Chicago’s Jackson Park for the new Obama Presidential Center – a world-class museum and public gathering space that will celebrate our nation’s first African American President and First Lady. Designed to be a place to reflect and grow, connect and create, one primary focus of the Center will be to honor history while also inspiring young people to tap into your own sense of purpose to improve our world.
Pembroke Natural Gas Pipeline
After decades of mere talk, giant strides forward were made to bring a natural gas pipeline to Hopkins Park and Pembroke Township in eastern Kankakee County. Thanks to a bipartisan collaboration between federal, state, county and local officials and Nicor Gas Company, a springtime groundbreaking is expected, and by fall 2022, local residents should have access to reliable, affordable natural gas to heat homes and businesses.
Economic Development
The Chicago Southland continues expanding its dominance as an e-commerce and logistics mega-hub. Served by all six Class 1 railroads, a spoked network of interstates, the Great Lakes and Illinois river system, and boosted by its convenient Midwest location, the Second Congressional District boasts perhaps the nation’s largest cluster of high-tech distribution and logistics centers.
Amazon alone added new fulfillment centers this year in Matteson, Markham, Pullman, Monee, University Park and Country Club Hills, bringing its total to nearly 20 facilities in the Southland. I visited and toured the Matteson facility early this year.
I am excited about the economic progress being made in our communities and for the growth to come. One project that will spike growth in the Southland is the future South Suburban Airport. This airport will someday serve as a logistics-hub keystone, making this area the envy of the logistics world.
Speaking of the South Suburban Airport, Illinois lawmakers budgeted $162 million to construct a new interchange on I-57 south of Monee to serve as the airport entrance road and utility corridor. Once complete, that project will create a “shovel-ready” 5,000-acre airport site for private developers to finance construction of a cargo-oriented airport to alleviate congestion at O’Hare and Midway and expand Illinois’ e-commerce capacity.
Throughout this year, I have worked to introduce and support legislation that will support and provide resources for my constituents. Primarily, I have been working to eliminate gun violence, establish health equity nationwide, especially for underserved and vulnerable populations, and expand economic development in our communities.
Together with my Democratic colleagues, we have worked to advance President Biden's legislative agenda. Through the American Rescue Plan, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the House-passed Build Back Better Act, we are defeating COVID-19, revitalizing our communities, and repairing our economy.
BRINGING HOME RESOURCES
In 2021 with President Biden, we created nearly 6 MILLION jobs nationwide and fully vaccinated more than 199 million Americans. I have been working hard in Washington to bring investment and resources back to Illinois to get our students back on track, our businesses reopened, and ease the financial burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic for hardworking families.
Community Project Funding
This year I secured $6.7 million in funding for community projects right here in Illinois' Second Congressional District. The Appropriations bill has passed the House and is currently awaiting final passage by the Senate.
"The funding included for our district in the Appropriations minibus will help establish and sustain projects supporting our infrastructure, technology, public safety, education and public health," said Congresswoman Kelly. "I look forward to seeing this bill through the final stages of the legislative process and ensuring that this funding makes its way back to our district."
FIRST-EVER REPORT ON THE STATE OF BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS
In March, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and I released our report, "State of Black Women and Girls in 21st Century America: An Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities." This report is the first of its kind. We worked together with experts from around the country, including a few from right here in Illinois, to identify some of the key issues facing Black women and girls, as well as policy solutions needed to address these issues.
My Caucus on Black Women and Girls Co-Chairs, Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman and Yvette D. Clarke, and I recently introduced the Protect Black Women and Girls Act. This legislation will establish an interagency task force to examine the conditions and experiences of Black women and girls in education, economic development, healthcare, labor and employment, housing, justice, and civil rights. The task force will also promote community-based methods for mitigating and addressing harm, and ensuring accountability to study societal effects on Black women and girls.
This summer I hosted a Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls symposium focused on Black women in medicine. The panelists who made this event a success shared such incredible advice and wisdom. I hope we can continue to inspire Black girls and young women to reach their full potential. Check out a short clip from my event below!
Gun Violence Prevention
"My district knows too well the heartbreak and devastation caused by gun violence. Young or old, Republican or Democrat, regardless of race, there is broad support for addressing the growing gun violence epidemic in this country. I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to save lives and keep our constituents safe." - Rep. Robin Kelly
Gun Violence Prevention is one of the issues that first inspired me to run for Congress. I continue my fight to save the lives of people in my communities and to make sure that everyone can feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, and schools.
Unfortunately, too many families are feeling the effects of this gun violence epidemic. Together with my Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairwoman, I requested a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to better understand the financial cost of gun violence. This year, the GAO delivered the shocking news: gun violence is costing our country upwards of $1 billion per year.
We need additional investment in gun violence prevention. Earlier this year, I led 39 of my colleagues in an appropriations funding request letter calling for an investment in community violence intervention programs. See below for what we requested:
- $100 million for the Office of Justice Programs to develop grants to support community-based violence intervention programs.
- $100 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a public health centered grant program for community-based violence prevention programs.
- $10 million to establish a resource center under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which would coordinate funding opportunities, oversee research into effective programs, and provide technical assistance to local Offices of Violence Prevention.
Thankfully, the Build Back Better Act includes a $5 billion investment in Community Gun Violence Intervention, based on the Break the Cycle of Violence Act I co-led with my colleague Congressman Steven Horsford.
Federal Firearms Licensee Act: I recently introduced the Federal Firearms Licensee Act to address one of the most pervasive causes of gun violence - gun trafficking. Thousands of illegal guns flow into Chicago, and all of Illinois, from surrounding states each year. Those guns go on to account for more than 50% of the firearms used in the commission of crimes in Chicago. The Federal Firearms Licensee Act will hold rogue dealers accountable and ensure that we are able to adequately respond to the gun trafficking that is contributing to the deadly gun violence epidemic. This legislation proposes commonsense security and gun sale tracing policies to ensure that FFLs are not contributing to the flow of guns into our communities.
Prevent Gun Trafficking Act: Earlier this year I introduced the Prevent Gun Trafficking Act to help prevent the gun violence impacting our communities. This bill would specify the prohibition of straw purchasing of firearms, making it a federal crime. It will also require the Attorney General to ensure that transactions from purchases clearly state the penalties for violating the law.
HERO for Youth Act: The bill would provide a tax credit of up to $2,400 for businesses that hire and train youth ages 16-24 who are out of school and out of work and youth ages 16-21 that are currently in foster care or have aged out of the system.
Creating Pathways for Youth Employment Act: This bill would establish a five-year, $1.5 billion competitive grant program for youth summer employment and a five-year, $2 billion competitive grant program for youth year-round employment that will provide financial support for communities seeking to create, improve, or grow summer and year-round employment opportunities for youth ages 14-24.
Early this year, I had the honor of presiding over the House floor as we voted to pass H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and H.R. 1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act.
The Bipartisan Background Checks Act would require a background check for every gun sale or transfer, with some reasonable and explicit exceptions that, for example, allow a person: to give a gun as a gift to a family member; loan a gun for hunting or target shooting; or temporarily transfer a gun for self-defense.
The Enhanced Background Checks Act would address the so-called "Charleston Loophole," which currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed if a background check is not completed within three business days. This bill would extend the background check period to 10 business days, allowing federal investigators more time to complete a thorough investigation.
Maternal Health & Women's Health
Early this year as we negotiated the American Rescue Plan, I fought hard to ensure that new mothers had access to the care they needed. I was proud to have provisions of my MOMMAs Act, which I first introduced in the 114th Congress, included to allow states the five-year option to provide 12 months of postpartum care under Medicaid.
Thankfully, through many negotiations and letters I led to the White House and Congressional leadership, I was able to secure the provision from my MOMMAs Act providing for 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage in every single state, forever. I am thrilled that women across the country will soon have access to this lifesaving coverage thanks to my MOMMAs Act and the Build Back Better Act.
This year I reintroduced my bipartisan Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act, and I am thrilled that this legislation has been passed out of committee and is just a couple of steps from becoming law. The Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act authorizes funds for grant programs to develop best practices for improving maternal outcomes; racial/ethnic bias training for providers and other programs to improve maternal health overall, and and obstetric care in rural area.
As we have seen in recent Supreme Court hearings and extremist legislation across the country, women's right to access a safe and healthy abortion is under attack. I proudly voted to pass the Women's Health Protection Act (WHPA). This legislation would protect the right to abortion throughout the United States by creating a right for healthcare providers to provide abortion care and a corresponding right for people to receive that care, free from bans and medically unnecessary restrictions that single out abortion and block access.
In December, Vice President Kamala Harris invited me to attend and speak at her first-ever White House Maternal Health Day of Action. I was honored to attend this event and speak about the importance of the maternal health legislation included in the Build Back Better Act, and why we must continue working on this issue.
I invited my constituent, Toni Brown, to participate in the event and share the heartbreaking story of how she lost her daughter to the maternal mortality crisis. It is easy to get caught up in the statistics of this crisis - after all, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy and birth related complications than white women - but it is critical that we remember the human impacts of this crisis. Families like Toni's are losing new Mommas to often preventable complications.
Health Equity
One of the most important issues we must address within health care is health equity. Health inequities have existed for hundreds of years, with communities of color, women, nonbinary and LGBTQ populations and people living in rural communities facing both unequal access to healthcare and outright discrimination.
As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, I have worked to ensure that our health policy and programs advance health equity nationally. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a devastatingly bright light on what our communities are up against. I am proud of the work I did to ensure the Build Back Better Act includes measures to improve health equity in Illinois and throughout the country.
Closing the Medicaid coverage gap is one of my most urgent priorities in improving health equity. This year I led my Tri-Caucus colleagues in two letters to President Biden and Congressional leadership urging them to include a solution to close the coverage gap and bring coverage to up to 2.2 million people currently living without access to Medicaid coverage.
Fighting for Families
Reese's Law
This year I introduced my bipartisan bill, Reese’s Law, to protect children from ingesting button cell batteries. In crafting this legislation, I worked with Trista Hamsmith, Founder of Reese’s Purpose and mother of Reese Hamsmith, an 18-month-old child who tragically passed away after ingesting a button cell battery.
“As a grandmother, I want to do everything I can to protect children from accidental death. That’s why I’m introducing Reese’s Law to prevent children from swallowing these batteries. This bill will direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to create stronger safety standards for the packaging and products these batteries come in. Reese’s Law will save lives.” - Rep. Robin Kelly
Protecting Seniors from Scams Act
This Spring, the House passed my Protecting Seniors from Scams Act. This legislation requires the Federal Trade Commission to report on and increase awareness regarding scams targeting older adults. The commission must:
- Report on the number and type of scams that target older adults and provide policy recommendations to prevent such scams;
- Revise the commission's web portal with current information about such scams, including contact information for law enforcement and adult protective services agencies; and
- Coordinate with media outlets and law enforcement to disseminate such information.
Testifying before European Parliament on Artificial Intelligence
This spring, I was invited to testify before the European Parliament Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) about my work on technology and AI. In my message during the joint hearing about the external policy dimension of AI, I stressed the importance of Transatlantic cooperation and aligning U.S. and E.U. regulations around AI.
"Issues of civil rights must be prioritized during the development and integration of AI systems. Gaps in existing frameworks must be addressed using a risk-based approach that recognizes the disparity in AI-related risks across different sectors. At the same time, there is a real danger of over prescriptive regulations." - Rep. Kelly addressing European Parliament
"Nations that do not share our commitment to democratic values are racing to be the leaders in AI and set the rules for the world. We cannot allow this to happen. While I understand your desire to be the first to write regulations, I encourage you to be narrow and flexible and consider the US's perspective. A pro-innovation approach with close collaboration is the best path to promote our shared prosperity and values." - Rep. Kelly addressing European Parliament
Working for Affordable Housing
Affordable, safe and healthy housing is a necessity. I have worked this year to protect Illinoisans access to safe and healthy housing.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge came to Chicago's South Side to talk about issues Senators Durbin and Duckworth, Rep. Rush, and Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and I raised about living conditions at the Concordia Place Apartments.
"For too long, residents living in certain project-based Section 8 properties have been forced to endure substandard living conditions, with little say in how their homes and communities are being managed or maintained. This has the potential to breed apathy and put the health and wellbeing of residents at risk." - Rep. Robin Kelly
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve the people of Illinois' Second Congressional District. It is my honor to advocate for you in Washington and to help you with your problems here at home. I hope you will keep in touch by signing up to receive my newsletter below, and I look forward to seeing you in 2022.
Credits:
Created with an image by Endzeiter - "the european parliament in strasbourg eu parliament"