Welcome to my February wrap-up newsletter. This month, Democrats and I have been working tirelessly to defend civil service employees, support working families, and advocate for immigrant communities. I spent time in the district hosting a virtual town hall, supporting local Black-owned businesses, ensuring our community knows their rights, convening community round tables and engaging in many other efforts to help strengthen IL-04. This past month, I’ve also heard from many constituents who are overwhelmed and might be wondering what the Democrats are doing. Let me be crystal clear: we are using every tool at our disposal to fight. I hear your frustration, and I want you to know—we are fighting back in Congress and the courts! |
Immigration Virtual Town Hall in Spanish Join me for an immigration town hall on Tuesday, March 18th, at 6:30 PM CST. This telephone event will be held in Spanish. If you know any Spanish speaker who could use the information, please share it!
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Since day one of the Trump administration, we have seen the growing damage caused by Elon Musk's and DOGE's decisions and their firing of civil service employees. They have been pushing out experienced staff, mishandling sensitive data, and undermining worker protections. Dedicated federal employees who have spent sometimes decades serving our country are being fired with little more than an email notification. That’s why I've been speaking with workers at the Department of Labor, alongside my CPC colleagues, demanding an end to DOGE’s policies.
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In my district and across the country, immigrants are skipping medical appointments, missing school, and staying away from their places of worship because they are fearful they could be detained by ICE and separated from their families. No child, parent, or family should have to fear being separated in spaces meant to protect them. That’s why I teamed up with Representative Adriano Espaillat to reintroduce the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act.
In case you missed it, I spoke on the House Floor about the importance of this bill. You can watch my remarks here or below. |
Thank you to the more than 900 constituents who tuned into my virtual town hall and made their voices and concerns heard. Rest assured, I stand with you and I will not stop fighting for you!
And for those who couldn’t make it to this one, visit my YouTube @RepChuyGarcia to watch the recording. |
I joined my CPC and Democratic colleagues in a press conference to call for an end to the Republican budget resolution, which threatens cuts to essential programs like healthcare for veterans, housing assistance and Medicare and Medicaid—vital lifelines for many Americans. Congress must pass a budget that prioritizes working families, not the wealthy elite!
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I’m proud to stand with Representative Sylvia Garcia in supporting the American Dream and Promise Act. Dreamers strengthen our communities, fuel our economy, and deserve a pathway to citizenship. I was also happy to meet with immigration attorney and influencer, Kathleen Martinez! Attorney Martinez and I discussed ways we can come together to protect and defend the immigrant community. |
I joined Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Congressional Delegation, and advocates for Medicaid coverage to reiterate our commitment to protecting Medicaid in our state. According to an analysis of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, in my district, 45 percent of children have health care thanks to the Medicaid/CHIP program. Taking it away will create a public health crisis. According to the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, in my district, 241,718 people including 115,531 children and 25,000 seniors over 65 years old, from low- and moderate-income families are covered by Medicaid. This is why I voted no on the Republican budget resolution that could leave thousands without affordable health care, placing their future at risk.
I will not allow families in my district to be left scrambling for basic medical care. |
I was also proud to join Citizen Action and the Illinois Congressional Delegation, to stand strong against any harmful attacks on vital programs that our families depend on. Democrats fight against any cuts that threaten Social Security, Medicare, and the funding our schools and families depend on!
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During Black History Month, I had the chance to visit a few of the many Black-owned businesses in Bridgeport. From Stussy’s Diner to Bridgeport Records and entertainment venues like the historic Ramova Theater, this neighborhood has something for everyone!
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I met with labor leaders to share federal updates, including how I am advocating on their behalf in Congress, and listening to their thoughts and concerns. With so much at stake for our workers, it’s important to hear their thoughts to inform my legislative efforts!
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I visited Hubbard High School to hear directly from our students about their goals and concerns for the future. Education is essential, especially for working families - it’s a door to new opportunities. Our schools and teachers provide a second home, and we must protect these safe spaces and ensure all students regardless of immigration status, religion, gender or sexual orientation are welcomed and supported.Despite Trump's policies, which are dismantling the Department of Education, I am working to ensure our students have the resources needed to succeed.
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Immigrant communities like the one I represent are what make America great! That’s why I joined a press conference with residents of Little Village where we spoke about our efforts to ensure that everyone, regardless of immigration status, knows they have constitutional rights! |
Our district is home to many Latino businesses and that’s why I also joined the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the General Consulate of Mexico in Chicago to educate our Latino business owners about their constitutional rights and how they can protect their businesses and employees during these challenging times. |
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is an organization that works to ensure that immigrants have access to resources, protections, and opportunities to thrive. Last month I spoke at ICIRR's annual summit about my efforts in Congress on behalf of our immigrant communities. I will continue partnering with ICIRR to ensures that immigrants have the resources they need. |
Lastly, I finished the month of February by joining Urban Warriors for the grand opening of their new youth center! Providing opportunities for youth development has been a priority in my work in Congress. It’s vital to provide young people with safe spaces where they can build community and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. I look forward to continue partnering with Urban Warriors to support youth in my district. |
Citizenship Workshop Saturday, March 15, 2025 – 09:00 AM to 11:30 AM This event is by appointment only. Location will be shared upon registration. For more information call our office at (773) 475-0833 or (773) 342-0774.
Satellite Office Hours Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – 09:30 AM to 5:30 PM Garfield Ridge Branch, Chicago Public Library 6348 S. Archer Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60638
Satellite Office Hours Monday, March 31, 2025 – 09:00 AM to 5:30 PM Prairie Trails Public Library 8449 S. Moody Ave. Burbank, Illinois 60459 Free Tax Preparation (now through April 12) Brighton Park Public Library 4314 S. Archer Ave. Chicago, Illinois Fridays 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
Our office has a dedicated team of caseworkers who assist constituents with many federal services. Some services we can help with: - Social Security claims
- Medicare and Medicaid claims
- Passport requests
- SBA loans
- Veterans benefits
- Immigration case inquiries
Click here to request help or call my office at 773-475-0833 or 773-342-0774.
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