Jan Schakowsky

“I was born and raised in Rogers Park in Chicago. My father sold furniture, and my mother was a Chicago public school teacher and proud member of the Chicago Teachers Union for decades.”

“Unequal pay exists across most job sectors of our economy, even in nursing.”

“I will continue to push for solutions to eliminate reliance on hired guns to provide security in war zones.”

“I will continue to stand strongly with my fellow House Democrats, with immigration reform advocates and with millions of hard-working, law-abiding families who want simply to remain together and contribute to our great country.”

“Making sure women get equal pay for equal work remains one of my top priorities.”

“President Obama's executive actions on immigration are designed to temporarily address major flaws in our broken immigration system.”

“Fast track is about pushing through the TPP, TTIP and future trade agreements that would massively increase the power of big international corporations and affect the daily lives of Americans.”

“We have a choice: we can allow the growing disparity between rich and poor to continue unimpeded, or we can take action to budget responsibly and strengthen and expand the middle class. If we want this economy - and this country - to meet its full potential, the choice is simple.”

“The best way to earn a fortune in America is to already have one.”

“Obamacare does much more than provide coverage to the previously uninsured - it improves the quality of coverage for all of us. Critical cancer and other health screenings are free. Women and people with disabilities or chronic conditions are no longer charged more - or priced out of the market altogether.”

“Our goal should be to, together, to improve Obamacare so that even more people have access to affordable, quality health insurance and services.”

“A woman should not have to fear retribution from her employer, and the District of Columbia should be able to pass laws to protect against that retribution.”

“Engaging in diplomacy with Iran and putting an end to their nuclear weapons program was the right thing to do.”

“Workers should not be prevented from bargaining with the companies that help set their wages, benefits, schedules, and workplace conditions.”

“We can afford to pay workers fairly, and it is the right thing to do. We also need equal pay for equal work.”

“Investing in women at home and abroad strengthens families, uplifts our children, improves health, makes communities and countries more peaceful, and brightens our collective future. Where women have equality, security, and the opportunity to live, work, and prosper, their families and societies are better off.”

“As a first generation Jewish American, I have witnessed firsthand Jewish immigrants who have come to this Nation in order to create a better life for themselves, their families, and future generations.”

“Since the Affordable Care Act allows individuals to buy affordable health care coverage on their own, women no longer have to remain in a job just for the health insurance - they can feel free to start their own business or care for a child or elderly parent.”

“As American Jews and descendants of immigrants, we never forget where our families came from or what members of our community experienced. Because we remember, we look out for those who are freeing persecution, oppression, and danger.”

“Immigrants are integral to the strength of our nation. They deserve comprehensive reform that will provide a pathway to citizenship and ensure that families aren't torn apart.”