Guzmán emphasizes need for accessible health care, support for disability services following governor’s budget address

SPRINGFIELD — Following Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Graciela Guzmán expressed gratitude and frustration for elements of the proposed budget.

“Every Illinoisan should receive the health benefits and services they need to live healthy lives,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “As a firm believer in healthcare for all, I am eager to expand on the governor’s recommendations in the final budget so that hardworking Illinoisans can access the care they need without going into debt.” 

This budget proposal recommended a $30 million investment to help more than three million Illinoisans with medical needs, including more than 785,000 adults eligible through the Affordable Care Act. These funds include a total of $15 million for the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program Fund, a program to erase medical debt for 300,000 Illinois residents.

However, while the proposal seeks to make health care more accessible for some Illinoisans, it does not propose allocating funds for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program, potentially leaving low-income adults aged 42 to 64 without insurance coverage. Guzmán, a fierce advocate for immigrant adults, expressed her commitment to fighting for investments in this program in the final budget. 

• Immigration
• Health Care
• Disability Justice
• FY 26 Budget
• Health Care for Immigrants

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Guzmán begins monthly Legislative Town Hall series on Feb. 24

CHICAGO — To keep local residents informed of the legislative work going on in Springfield, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is hosting a monthly legislative town hall every fourth Monday until the end of May, beginning on Monday, Feb. 24.

“While the legislative committee and floor hearings are available to the public, many folks do not have the free time to listen in and follow all of the initiatives we are working on,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “These town halls will offer a rundown of what has been happening in Springfield, and provide more information for those who want to become more involved in the legislative process.”

Guzmán’s first legislative town hall will take place on Monday, Feb. 24 from 7-8 p.m. The first meeting will be held virtually, but the senator hopes to move to a hybrid meeting format in the future. Spanish interpretation will be available.

• 20th District
• In District
• Town Hall

Read more: Guzmán begins monthly Legislative Town Hall series on Feb. 24

Guzmán to host district office open house Feb. 13

CHICAGO — After recently being sworn into office, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is hosting an open house at her district office to meet her and her staff.

“Transparency and collaboration with members of the community on the legislative process is one of my top priorities as a state senator,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This open house will give folks the chance to meet me face-to-face and learn more about what I’m working on in Springfield, while also leaving space to hear their ideas for legislation to address the issues that impact them the most.”

The open house will be held at Guzmán’s district office, located at 3140 W. Montrose Ave. on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 12-7 p.m.

• In District
• Open House
• District Office

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Guzmán to serve on Senate Public Health, Human Rights committees

SPRINGFIELD — With the 104^th General Assembly now underway, State Senator Graciela Guzmán was selected to serve on six committees in the State Senate, including Public Health, Human Rights, Higher Education, Veterans Affairs, and Appropriations for Education and Health and Human Services. 

“I am honored to have been selected to serve on these committees, all of which will hear important legislation impacting the lives of Illinoisans,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “I look forward to bringing my expertise in these subject areas and to help craft legislation so it best serves the people who are directly impacted by these issues.” 

Guzmán’s experience advocating for health care accessibility will be a valuable asset to the committees, especially when hearing proposed plans to address issues like environmental racism, health care access and reproductive health care. In addition to filing her own legislation on some of these topics, Guzmán looks forward to utilizing her knowledge to support her colleagues’ initiatives and best serve the people of Illinois.  

• Education
• Committees
• Health Care
• Human Rights
• Public Health

Read more: Guzmán to serve on Senate Public Health, Human Rights committees