E-Newsletter: Jobs, Environment, Auto Safety & Obamacare

Statement

Dear Friend,

JOBS & THE ECONOMY

I know the most important issue to most of you, and your family, is the availability of quality jobs and a stronger American economy. As your representative in Congress, I couldn't agree more. I will keep fighting to make sure working families can still make the American Dream a reality. Here are some of the economic issues I am focused on to help residents of the 9th Congressional District and all Americans:

Increasing the Minimum Wage -- I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 1010, which would increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 -- giving 25 million Americans a raise and lifting 1 million Americans out of poverty.

Equal Pay for Equal Work -- I am co-sponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act. Currently, in Illinois, women only make 77 cents (or less) for every $1 men make. That hurts women, their families and our entire economy.

Renewing Unemployment Insurance -- If the House takes up the bipartisan Senate Bill to renew Unemployment Insurance for the long-term unemployed, 153,400 Illinoisans would benefit and there would be $300 million boost to our state economy.

For all three of these measures I have signed what is called a "discharge petition" to try to make sure that we get to debate them this year. If 218 members of the House of Representatives sign the petition, we are guaranteed a vote. At this point, more than190 members have signed each of the petitions; click the following to learn more: Minimum Wage petition; Paycheck Fairness petition; Renew UI petition.

EARTH DAY

Yesterday, Earth Day, was a reminder to think about the importance and value of the natural environment around us, but it was also a reminder to commit to action. Now, more than ever before, we need to recognize the opportunity that we have to protect our planet from the growing threat of climate change and promote alternative energy sources that will drive our economy into the future. Click here to see my full statement on Earth Day.

REAR VISIBILITY RULE WILL SAVE LIVES

Starting in 2018, the Department of Transportation will implement a rear visibility rule for vehicles made that year and beyond. I was the lead sponsor of the bipartisan legislation calling for this rule. The legislation, the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act, was signed by President George W. Bush in 2008. It is named for Cameron Gulbransen, a two year old, who died when his father accidently backed over him while parking his SUV. On average, two children every week are killed as a result of backover accidents. Families and other advocates came to Washington to push this legislation and I am thankful for their efforts. This is a big victory for consumers and it will save lives.

SUCCESS OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

By the Numbers

· 8 million Americans have signed up for private insurance through the health insurance marketplace

· 35% of those who have signed up are under the age of 35

· 313,000 Illinoisans have gotten coverage through Get Covered Illinois: 114,000 through the marketplace and 199,000 through Medicaid

· 5.6 million Illinoisans can no longer be denied coverage because they have pre-existing conditions

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