Illinois AFL-CIO Statement on Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s Retirement

“The daughter of immigrant parents, Jan Schakowsky is the product of America’s promise. After obtaining a degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois, she dedicated her life to helping others, first as the program director for Illinois Public Action, and then as the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens Executive Director. Recognizing that she could do more, Jan stepped up, ran for public office, and won. And she kept winning.

A lifelong union member who organized and fought for consumer, senior, and labor rights, Jan was elected to the Illinois General Assembly and then to Congress. Throughout her career in public service, Jan never once abandoned working families, as her nearly 100 percent labor voting record over 35 years in office proves.

We owe her our gratitude, and while all working people in Illinois will miss her fearless advocacy in Congress, we bid Jan and her family a wonderful retirement.”