Dear Friend,

I hope you are taking care of yourself and your loved ones. Since arriving in Springfield, I have hit the ground running and begun filing 22 pieces of legislation and co-sponsoring initiatives that align with the values of self-determination in housing for working people, environmental justice, health care for all, and more. Read on for more information and insight on where we are in the legislative process and learn more about some of the bills I have filed or am co-sponsoring.

For upcoming opportunities to get involved, follow my social media on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram. I will be hosting a District Office open house on Feb. 13 and a virtual legislative town hall on Feb. 24 with more information below. I can’t wait to meet you and discuss our plans for progressive change for our community and state!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office by calling 773-278-2020, texting 773-207-7838, or visiting SenatorGuzman.com/contact-us if you need assistance with state agencies or other concerns. My office and I are here for you.

In solidarity,
 

Senator Graciela Guzmán
State Senator | 20th District

My Major Legislative Themes

Housing self-determination

Many folks in our community, including myself, struggle with the rising cost of living in our neighborhoods. Increased property tax rates and gentrification are actively pricing out people who have lived here for generations. As a firm believer that housing is a human right, these decisions are causing detrimental impacts to the safety and well-being of my neighbors. That isn’t right.

That’s why one of my top priorities as your state senator is advancing legislation that gives Illinoisans more security in their housing options and protects them against predatory actions from landlords and developers acting in poor faith. I believe the first step to doing this is by repealing the Rent Control Preemption Act, which has prevented rent control ordinances from being enacted by local governments for over 20 years.

Estimada comunidad,

A principios de este mes, tuve el honor de ser juramentada como su Senadora Estatal. Me sentí humilde al asumir el cargo, ya que estoy acompañada por tantos miembros inteligentes y apasionados de la comunidad, a quienes espero enorgullezca mi servicio. Sin embargo, ha sido un momento difícil para asumir el cargo, debido a los recientes ataques a nuestra comunidad por parte de la nueva administración federal, que no ha perdido tiempo en adoptar iniciativas de odio contra nuestros vecinos inmigrantes y vecinos de la comunidad LGBTQIA+. Estos intentos sólo han aumentado mi motivación para defender a mi comunidad en la Asamblea General de Illinois y luchar por las protecciones que todos deberíamos tener como seres humanos. Planeo elevar nuestra visión colectiva de la justicia económica para la clase obrera y la propia determinación de la clase trabajadora con mi posición en la legislatura, así como defender las protecciones para los inmigrantes, las personas LGBTQIA +, y la salud reproductiva.

En mi nuevo puesto como Senadora Estatal, también tengo la intención de abordar las causas profundas de la falta de vivienda y la crisis de la vivienda, las políticas de inmigración inhumanas, las prácticas laborales injustas y mucho más. También aportaré mi experiencia abogando por un cuidado médico asequible y completo para crear legislación que establezca el cuidado médico como un derecho humano. Esta causa también es muy personal para mí, ya que perdí a mi abuelo Elías a una edad joven por no poder pagar sus gastos médicos. En mi trabajo previo, defendí cobertura de salud contra la revocación, lideré un programa innovador para adultos inmigrantes y dirigí programas comunitarios sobre la Ley de Asistencia Médica Asequible. Confío en poder utilizar lo aprendido en estas negociaciones para crear una política progresista que dé prioridad a los pacientes sobre los lucros.

También estoy muy interesada en saber que temas son los más importantes para usted y próximamente pondré en marcha mesas redondas abiertas para discutir nuestras ideas. Manténgase al tanto de la información sobre como inscribirse siguiendo mis redes sociales en Bluesky, Facebook e Instagram. También organizaré un evento de Puertas Abiertas de la Oficina de Distrito el 13 de febrero con información más abajo en este boletín informativo. ¡Estoy encantada de conocerle y hablar de nuestros planes de cambio para nuestra comunidad y nuestro estado!

Además de las invitaciones a los próximos eventos, he incluido algunos recursos útiles, incluyendo la asistencia de facturas de servicios públicos, la subvención de vivienda y asistencia de alquiler, consejos para el tiempo de frío, y mucho más. También habrá enlaces a mi boletín “Conozca sus derechos” y una información útil para compartir con sus vecinos para mantener a nuestros amigos y familiares inmigrantes seguros en este momento estresante.
Ahora, ¡manos a la obra para lograr un cambio positivo para Illinois!

En solidaridad,

Graciela Guzmán
Senadora Estatal, Distrito 20

Dear Friend,

Earlier this month, I was honored to be sworn in as your state senator. I was humbled to take up the role as I am surrounded by so many intelligent, passionate community members who I hope to make proud in my service. However, it has been a difficult time to take office, given the recent attacks on our community from the newly inaugurated federal administration that has wasted no time enacting hateful initiatives targeting our immigrant and LGBTQIA+ neighbors. These attempts have only fueled my drive to advocate for my neighbors in the Illinois statehouse and fight for protections we should all be afforded as human beings. I plan to elevate our collective vision of economic justice for everyday people and self-determination for the working class with my position in the statehouse, as well as defend the protections for immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, and reproductive health care.

In my new tenure as state senator, I also intend to address the root causes of homelessness and the housing crisis, inhumane immigration policies, unfair labor practices, and more. I am also eager to bring my experience advocating for affordable, comprehensive healthcare to create legislation establishing healthcare as a human right. This cause is also deeply personal to me, having lost my grandfather, Elias, at a young age due to an inability to pay. In my previous work, I advocated for protecting coverage from repeal to a groundbreaking program for immigrant adults to community outreach around the Affordable Care Act. I am confident that I can utilize what I learned in these negotiations to create progressive policy that prioritizes patients over profits.

I am also eager to hear what issues are most important to you and will start Policy Roundtables in the near future. Stay tuned for information on how to register by following my social media on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram. I will also host a District Office Open House on Feb. 13th with more information below. I can’t wait to meet you and discuss our plans for change for our community and state!

In addition to invites to upcoming events, I’ve listed some helpful resources below, including utility bill assistance, housing grant and rental assistance, tips for cold weather safety, and more. There will also be links to my Know Your Rights newsletter and a helpful infographic to share with your neighbors to keep our immigrant friends and family safe in this stressful time.
Now, let’s get to work on making positive change for Illinois!

In solidarity,
 

Senator Graciela Guzmán

she/her/ella

20th District