Everything My Office Can Do For You

October 30, 2009
E-Newsletters

Dear Friend,

It has been an action-packed first six months in Congress, marked by both excitement and accomplishment. In Washington, I'm fighting for accountable and transparent government, equality for all Americans, and a more sustainable planet, but I wanted to remind you of all the services my office offers you at home in Illinois.

Below, you'll find information about the H1N1 flu, a new "Cash for Appliances program, Chicago's new area code, veterans' benefits, news about my brand new Web site, and an update on Health Care Reform.

CONSTITUENT ASSISTANCE

My district office is located at 3742 W. Irving Park Rd. There, my staff and I are able to offer you assistance and cut the red tape that often gets tangled around public services. Whether it's a question about immigration, social security, Medicare, or veterans' benefits, we are here to help. In addition to an array of outreach programs, we have extended our hours to serve all of our constituents (8:30am-5:30pm, or by appointment), added a full-time grant coordinator, and expanded our staff to include several multi-lingual team members.

Click here to read some of our constituent success stories.

H1N1 UPDATE

The flu is a serious illness, and the 2009 H1N1 virus is a serious flu virus. Here in the 5th district, we know that people have concerns about keeping themselves and their families safe and healthy. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services,vaccines are recommended for the following people:

  • Young people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
  • People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
  • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
  • People ages 25 through 64 years old with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

Chicago residents in the at-risk demographics may visit one of six Chicago-area clinics for free shots, including Wright College in the 5th District.

Wright College is located at 4300 N. Narragansett Ave. As of Oct. 24, vaccinations are offered every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. For details and the other Chicago locations click here.

Those living in Illinois outside Chicago can click here for vaccine location information.

CASH FOR APPLIANCES

You've heard of "Cash for Clunkers, but by the end of 2009, consumers nationwide will also be able to take advantage of a federal "Cash for Appliances program, offering rebates on a wide array of home appliances certified as energy-efficient by the EPA's Energy Star program. Illinois will receive $12,378,644 as part of the initiative to buy old appliances, which is made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Items that people may turn in include central air conditioners, heat pumps (air source and geothermal), boilers, furnaces (oil and gas), room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and water heaters.

For more information about expected rebate amounts click here

THE NEW 872

On November 7, all local calls in the Chicago area will have to follow new dialing procedures due to the new 872 area code. This means that all local calls in the (312 or 773) will be required to dial 1 + the area code + telephone number. If this new procedure is not used, your call will not be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

The 872 area code covers the same geographic area served by both 312 and 773 due to the increasing demand for telephone numbers. Since more than one area code will now serve the same area, 1+ the area code will now have to be used. This could also mean that beginning Nov. 7, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 872 area code.

FOLLOWING UP ON VETERANS' BENEFITS

Last year, Congress successfully passed the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. This bill included a provision that covers the full cost of tuition at four-year-colleges for veterans who served after September 11, 2001. While thousands of veterans have applied to take advantage of this new benefit, many who have applied have not yet received their payments due to delayed processing. If you have had trouble or experienced delays in receiving your benefits please call my office (773-267-5926) or visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website to apply for an emergency check.

My office can also assist you with receiving benefits, eligibility determination, and replacement of medals earned. Click here for more information.

MY NEW ONLINE HOME

We've also launched a brand new Web site to help you stay up-to-date on all of the news in the 5th District. Please visit us at https://www.quigley.house.gov to request a flag to be flown over the Capitol, find information on traveling to Washington D.C., read the latest news on Healthcare reform, and much more.

In addition, you can find me on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook for daily links, videos, and updates on the 5th District and Washington, D.C.

HEALTH CARE REFORM

Finally, as the health care reform debate continues to dominate our national dialogue, I want you to know I am always available to hear your thoughts. We are closer to reform than we have been in decades, and I'm hopeful that we, as the President has said, will be the last generation to take up this important fight. We expect that there will be a full vote in early November. The new bill, just unveiled today, can be found here, on my Web site. Check back for frequent updates.

It is a privilege serving you in the United States Congress and please don't hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns.

Have a happy and safe Halloween, and I look forward to staying in touch.

Sincerely,

Mike Quigley