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Greetings!
As I prepare to serve Illinois' 7th Congressional District in the 120th Congress, my commitment remains focused on the people and the issues that matter most to our communities. In this edition of The Ford Report, we honor our veterans, examine important decisions being made in Washington, share employment opportunities, and revisit the conversations and community visits that continue to guide my work.
I'm currently in Washington, D.C., attending New Member Orientation, but staying connected to our neighborhoods remains a priority. Thank you again for your trust and support. I'm looking forward to the work ahead and to making sure your voices are heard in Congress.
La Shawn K. Ford
Congressman-Elect
Illinois' 7th Congressional District
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VETERANS DAY
This Veterans Day, I want to thank every veteran in Illinois’ 7th District and across our country. I also want to thank the families who stood beside you through deployments, time apart, and the transition home.
I’ll keep working to protect the benefits you earned and make sure you can get the health care and support you were promised.
To all who have served, thank you.
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PASS THE MAJOR RICHARD STAR ACT
House Republican leaders shelved their veterans bill in July. Now that the election is over, they’ve put it back on the House schedule for Veterans Day, with cuts to future VA disability benefits still in the bill.
I oppose H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. It would cut VA disability compensation for some future claims involving service-connected tinnitus or sleep apnea and raise certain VA mortgage refinancing fees.
Congress can restore the retirement pay combat-injured veterans earned without cutting disability benefits for other veterans. House Democrats led the push for a vote on the bipartisan, standalone Major Richard Star Act. I thank Congressman Danny K. Davis for signing the petition to bring it to the floor.
I urge the House to reject H.R. 9237 and pass the standalone Major Richard Star Act, H.R. 2102.
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Veterans’ benefits. The cost of living. The savings workers depend on for retirement.
• Veterans’ benefits: On Veterans Day, the House agenda includes competing approaches to veterans’ compensation. The standalone Major Richard Star Act would restore retirement pay for eligible combat-disabled veterans. Democrats oppose provisions in the broader Republican package that would cut certain disability benefits and raise VA refinancing fees, arguing that Congress can expand benefits without taking others away.
• Rising costs: Consumer prices rose 0.4% in October, and Federal Reserve officials are discussing further interest-rate increases. For families already stretching their paychecks, higher borrowing costs could make a car loan, a mortgage, or credit-card debt even harder to manage. No new rate increase has been announced.
• Retirement protections: H.R. 1013 would expand investment options in retirement plans used by teachers and nonprofit workers. Supporters say it could lower fees. Progressive critics warn that weaker disclosures and safeguards could put workers’ savings at greater risk. Democrats are divided over the bill.
The stakes are practical: protecting earned benefits, keeping everyday expenses manageable, and making sure retirement savings come with meaningful protections.
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THE ELECTION IS OVER. THE NEW CONGRESS HAS NOT YET TAKEN OFFICE.
The House vote on the impeachment resolution concerning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took place under the current Republican majority.
By a vote of 211–204, the House referred the resolution to committee, preventing an immediate final impeachment vote. Republican Thomas Massie joined Democrats in opposing the referral.
Here's the important distinction: Although voters elected a new Congress on November 3, its members will not take office until January 2027.
Republicans still control the House and Senate, and the decisions being made today belong to the current Congress.
Understanding who holds power, who casts the votes, and when congressional control changes is essential to holding government accountable.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES | CHICAGO
I know how challenging the job market can be, and I believe access to employment opportunities is important for individuals and families across our communities.
Whether you're looking for your first job, returning to the workforce, or exploring a new career, I want to help connect you with opportunities worth considering.
Today, I'm sharing three full-time positions at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. All three accept a high school diploma or GED, with additional experience requirements depending on the position.
01 | PATIENT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, MULTISPECIALTY
Northwestern Medicine | Chicago, IL
Pay: $19.02–$26.63/hour
Schedule: Full-time | Day shift
Assist patients with registration, scheduling, insurance information, and customer service.
Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. 0–2 years of customer service experience.
APPLY DIRECTLY HERE
02 | ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT I, INTERPRETATION SERVICES
Northwestern Memorial Hospital | Chicago, IL
Pay: $17.95–$24.23/hour
Schedule: Full-time | Day shift
Support office operations, scheduling, correspondence, and administrative services.
Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent, one year of related experience, and Microsoft Office skills.
APPLY DIRECTLY HERE
03 | PATIENT LIAISON, DIGESTIVE HEALTH CLINIC
Northwestern Memorial Hospital | Chicago, IL
Pay: $19.79–$27.70/hour
Schedule: Full-time | Day shift
Support patients with appointments, registration, billing coordination, and customer service.
Qualifications: High school diploma or GED, two years of healthcare experience, and customer service experience.
APPLY DIRECTLY HERE
I know these positions won't be the right fit for everyone, but they could make a meaningful difference for someone looking for work.
I'll continue sharing employment opportunities across industries and experience levels, from entry-level jobs to professional careers in government and the private sector.
Know someone looking for work?
Please share these opportunities.
*The employer determines job availability, compensation, and hiring requirements.
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CHICAGO JOB OPPORTUNITIES | COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Finding the right job can be challenging. That's why I'm continuing to share employment opportunities across Chicago, connecting residents with employers offering positions in different industries and at different experience levels.
Today, I'm highlighting three full-time opportunities in customer service, automotive services, and technology.
01 | CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST
Hireology | Chicago, Hybrid
Salary: $55,000/year + 5% bonus
Support customers with account setup, training, and ongoing service.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Customer-facing experience preferred.
APPLY DIRECTLY HERE
02 | AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE ADVISOR
McGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago
Advertised earning opportunity: $100,000+ annually, based on salary and commission. Earnings are not guaranteed.
Work with customers to schedule service, explain repairs, and coordinate vehicle maintenance.
Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. Previous service-advisor experience preferred, but not required. Training provided.
APPLY DIRECTLY HERE
03 | CLIENT EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR
Medtelligent (ALIS) | Chicago
Salary: $41,600–$52,000/year
Help clients using software for senior living communities, resolve questions, and coordinate with account managers.
Qualifications: No college degree required. Customer service, sales, internship, or comparable experience welcomed.
APPLY DIRECTLY HERE
I'll continue sharing employment opportunities that can help people find work, build careers, and support their families.
Know someone looking for work? Share these opportunities.
Job availability, compensation, and hiring decisions are determined by each employer.
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TRUMP'S BIG UGLY BILL: THE CONSEQUENCES ARE STILL COMING
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by the Republican-controlled Congress.
The law includes major cuts and restrictions affecting:
• Medicaid: Healthcare funding and eligibility.
• SNAP: Food assistance for families.
• Affordable Care Act: Health insurance access and enrollment.
• Federal Student Loans: Borrowing limits and repayment options.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Providers: Medicaid funding.
• Clean Energy: Federal tax incentives.
Here's what Americans need to know: Republicans passed this law in 2025, but significant Medicaid requirements were scheduled to take effect after the November 2026 elections.
The election did not repeal the law, and its consequences are still ahead.
I oppose these cuts. I support Medicare for All, protecting essential services, and holding Washington accountable for decisions that affect working families.
As I prepare to serve Illinois' 7th Congressional District, I will continue fighting for affordable healthcare, economic security, and the people we represent.
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My first stop after being elected to Congress was right where I belong, with our community.
I joined the Sheridan Park Senior Club for bingo and meaningful conversations about protecting Social Security, expanding SNAP eligibility for seniors struggling with rising costs, and the growing burden of childcare expenses on families.
These concerns affect multiple generations and deserve attention in Washington.
After 20 years in the Illinois General Assembly, my commitment remains the same: to be present, accessible, and accountable to the people I serve.
Thank you to the Sheridan Park Senior Club for the warm welcome. The election may be over, but my commitment to our communities continues as I prepare to serve Illinois' 7th Congressional District.
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Democracy Across Generations.
A special moment from Election Day with my daughter, Tia.
I've been voting at this polling place since 1997, and this year was especially meaningful as I had the opportunity to vote for myself for Congress, with my daughter by my side.
As a father, I believe it's important to involve our children in the democratic process, talk with them about the issues affecting our communities, and encourage them to understand the importance of their voices.
Seeing younger generations become informed, engaged, and involved gives me hope for the future of our democracy.
These are the moments I cherish as a father, and the conversations I hope more families will have.
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WORKING TOGETHER, UNITY, ENERGY, AND A COMMITMENT TO SERVE
Election Day in Chicago wouldn't be complete without a stop at Manny's!
It was great seeing fellow Democratic candidates working together, exchanging encouragement, and sharing an incredible sense of unity. The energy that morning was electric, and you could feel the excitement about what was ahead.
From Manny's, I joined my colleague, State Representative Mike Crawford, at WVON 1690 AM, The Talk of Chicago, for a conversation about the issues affecting our communities and the work that lies ahead.
We talked about the importance of listening, addressing the challenges facing working families, and making sure the concerns of our communities are heard.
I'm grateful for everyone who was part of this journey, and I can't wait to get back to work for you, this time in Congress!
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A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY STARTS WITH ACCESS
During my visit to the Sankofa Village Wellness Center, I had the opportunity to see how community partnerships are bringing healthcare, mental and behavioral health services, nutrition, physical activity, and violence prevention together under one roof.
Healthcare is about more than treating illness. It's about prevention, mental and physical well-being, and addressing the conditions that affect how long and how well people live.
The life expectancy gap between downtown Chicago and our West and South Side communities demands our attention.
As I prepare to serve Illinois' 7th Congressional District, I'm committed to working with community partners to expand access to care, support prevention, and bring resources to the neighborhoods that need them.
Healthcare for All is Medicare For All, that means caring for the whole person and the whole community.
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HEALTHCARE FOR ALL IS MEDICARE FOR ALL
PREVENTION. RECOVERY. SECOND CHANCES.
On Election Day, I made time to distribute Narcan across our West Side neighborhoods because preventing overdose deaths and saving lives cannot wait.
I also visited Edna's Circle in West Garfield Park to learn more about its developing recovery center, which will bring together medical care, mental health support, community services, and housing for men working toward recovery.
Through our West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, I've seen how important it is to bring resources directly into the communities where they're needed.
Healthcare for All must include addiction treatment, overdose prevention, mental health services, and long-term recovery support.
Every life matters, and everyone deserves access to care and a chance to rebuild.
Learn more: https://www.ednascircle.org/
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GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS FOR THE PEOPLE
I know families are concerned about the cost of living, healthcare, housing, and good-paying jobs. Those concerns must remain front and center.
But government also has to walk and chew gum at the same time.
When community members invited me to Grant Park to see the deteriorating historic Harrison Street Footbridge, I went because maintaining safe, accessible public spaces is also part of serving our communities.
Restoring infrastructure is about more than preserving history. It's about public safety, accessibility, and making investments that can create good-paying local jobs.
I want to see projects like this provide opportunities for Chicago workers while addressing the everyday needs of our communities.
We need government that tackles affordability, demands accountability, and invests responsibly in the people and places we serve.
That's the work I'm preparing to take on in Congress.
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TOGETHER, WE ARE STRONGER | 团结一心，力量更强
Election Day brought me back to Chicago's Chinatown, where I had the opportunity to spend time with friends, supporters, and members of our Chinese American community.
Our district is home to people from many cultures, backgrounds, and traditions. Each community contributes to the strength and character of the neighborhoods we share.
I'm grateful for the relationships we've built and the trust that comes from listening, showing up, and working together.
As I prepare to serve in Congress, my commitment is to represent every community in Illinois' 7th Congressional District, ensuring that everyone has a voice and an opportunity to help shape our future.
Different backgrounds. Shared priorities. A stronger future together.
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Preparing to Serve in the 120th Congress
I'm currently in Washington, D.C., attending the 120th Congress New Member Orientation, preparing for the responsibilities and challenges ahead.
As I get ready to represent Illinois' 7th Congressional District, I want to make sure our communities remain part of the conversations that shape our priorities in Washington.
That's why I'm inviting you to join one of our Community Action Groups, where residents, community leaders, and advocates can come together to discuss the issues that matter most, share ideas, and help develop recommendations for our district.
Explore the Community Action Groups and sign up:
https://fordforcongress.com/join-a-community-action-group/
Thank you again for your trust and confidence. I'm looking forward to working together and getting to work for you in Congress.
| | Paid for by La Shawn K. Ford for Congress | | | | |
