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Constituent Success Stories

August 15, 2010
E-Newsletters

Dear Friend,

As your Representative in Congress, I am in Washington to fight for you"that means voting on bills and speaking on the House floor, of course, but it also means making sure federal agencies are serving you, my constituents.

Every day hundreds of constituents write and call my office with questions about their social security benefits, help with obtaining a visa, and whether they are eligible for a home loan modification to name just a few. Since taking office last year, my office has closed more than 1,000 of these cases and returned nearly $750,000 to 5th District taxpayers.

Below, you'll find a few examples of how my office has been able to help constituents over the past year and a half. If you are ever in need of assistance, please don't hesitate to call my district office at 773/267-5926.

COORDINATED A VISA TO REUNITE A FAMILY

  • A constituent filed an immigrant visa petition for his wife, who was overseas. With our help she was issued her visa and reunited with her husband in time to give birth to their first child.

After working with my office he said: "My life completely changed. [A staffer] helped me in many ways and was always patient and understanding. She exemplified the best qualities of someone who is representing our government¦We will never be able to adequately express our gratitude for all the help we received.

REDUCED A MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENT BY MORE THAN $1,000

  • After losing her job, a constituent had been trying for over a year to get a modification on her home loan. After President Obama implemented the Making Homes Affordable Program we were able to work with federal housing agencies and her interest rate on her home loan was reduced by 4.25 percent, helping her avoid foreclosure.

UNEMPLOYMENT AND A LOST STIMULUS CHECK

  • A constituent's unemployment benefits were revoked and her appeal process had stalled. After our office inquired with the proper agencies her unemployment benefits were reinstated.

She said: "Words cannot express my gratitude in the assistance received from your office during my unemployment benefits appeal¦Your office was the only [one] that really responded to my plea for help. We need more fighters for the little people--the voters--like you ¦Thanks to you and your great staff.

  • After a constituent contacted us because he did not receive his economic stimulus check, our staff found that due to an error with his address his check had been returned to the U.S. Treasury. The check was reissued.

MEDALS FOR A WORLD WAR I HERO

  • When a Constituent called asking for a flag to be flown over the Capitol in honor of her uncle, a World War I veteran, she also mentioned that her family had lost several medals that he had received. Our staff was able to work with the Veterans Affairs office in Washington and have the medals re-issued to the family.

She later told us: "It was a very emotional moment for me and I was deeply touched by their concern and involvement. I shall never forget their kindness.

MEDALS FOR A WORLD WAR II HERO

  • World War II naval veteran Albert Kreitzer of Schiller Park waited more than 20 years to be awarded the medals by the Department of the Navy and turned to Quigley's office for assistance. Kreitzer was presented with the World War II Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and Navy Occupation Service Medal for his courageous service to our country.

"We are very indebted to Rep. Quigley and his wonderful staff for helping us deal in a timely fashion with the (Veteran's Administration), said Phyllis Grzeskowiak, Kreitzer's daughter. "Their assistance in helping move my father's case along quickly is most appreciated.

HELPED A FAMILY WITH DISABILITY PAYMENTS

  • We helped a father and son through the social security disability process. After our assistance they received the disability back payments that they were owed, as well as a monthly payment they qualified for moving forward.

He later wrote to us: "I cannot say it in a way that conveys all my family's gratitude for [the office's] expertise and affirmative help during a very difficult period in our lives.

As these examples show, my office takes pride in assisting residents of the 5th District. We can't guarantee success, but we can promise that we'll give our best effort to cut through red tape and get your case the attention it needs. If you think that my office can help you, please give us a call at 773/267-5926.

It is an honor to serve you in Congress.

Sincerely,

Mike Quigley