Schakowsky, Jan, 1944-

Janice Danoff Schakowsky (born May 26, 1944) is an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, she has served as the U.S. Representative from Illinois's 9th congressional district since 1999.

Born Janice Danoff in Chicago, she attended Sullivan High School there before earning a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1965. As Program Director of Illinois Public Action from 1976 to 1985 – the state's largest public interest organization – Schakowsky fought for energy reform and stronger protection from toxic chemicals. As Director of the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens from 1985 to 1990, she organized across the state for lower cost prescription drugs and tax relief for seniors, financial protection for the spouses of nursing home residents and other benefits for the elderly. She was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1990, serving there until 1998. After longterm Representative Sidney Yates announced his intention to retire in 1998, Schakowsky entered the Democratic primary to succeed him. Easily winning the Democratic primary, Schakowsky won the general election with 75 percent of the vote. She was married to Harvey Schakowsky from 1965 until their divorce in 1980 and Robert Creamer since 1980.

Schakowsky is among the most Progressive members of the current U.S. Congress. In Congress, she has focused heavily on health care and senior issues. Schakowsky was a leader in passing the historic Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to provide healthcare coverage to all Americans. A leading advocate for women's issues in Congress, Schakowsky has long been involved in the fight to protect women's reproductive freedom. She continues her work to prevent violence against immigrant women, achieve economic parity, and establish transitional housing for women and children who are victims of abuse. Schakowsky has consistently voted for measures to support Israel's peace and security. Schakowsky also worked closely with President Barack Obama to assure completion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) designed to cut off all Iranian pathways to a nuclear weapon.