SPRINGFIELD—In solidarity with home health workers, teachers, homelessness advocates, and other state officials, State Senator Graciela Guzmán advocated for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to utilize progressive revenue measures, ensuring essential programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid do not face cuts from a shortage of federal dollars.

“Parents are anxious about being able to afford food on the table while billionaires are ordering catering to their fleet of yachts,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This gross disparity between our lived experiences is not okay. We need to make sure our most wealthy are paying their fair share, because cutting essential programs for the working families that make up the heart of Illinois isn’t an option. We cannot balance this budget by cuts to working class people that are already hurting.”

The most recent federal budget could gut funding for several essential state programs, including Medicaid, support for home care workers, SNAP, education funding and more, unless alternative revenue sources are found. In response, several state senators have introduced legislation that would secure funds by taxing the most wealthy individuals or corporations. These officials joined advocates and front line workers at a press conference Wednesday to discuss the importance of these measures and to call for broader support.

CHICAGO —Thanks to advocacy from State Senator Graciela Guzmán, the North location of Metropolitan Family Services will soon receive a $550,000 state grant through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“Metropolitan Family Services does amazing work to support our community members, including offer support for folks to start a career in trades, which may have been inaccessible otherwise,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “I am grateful that the Illinois Works program is investing in such a great organization with a longstanding history of uplifting my neighbors, and look forward to how this funding will further their mission of helping residents.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure a lifelong career.

In the district Guzmán represents, the North location of Metropolitan Family Services received $550,000 thanks to this program.

Through Illinois Works, DCEO is expanding its statewide network of providers to recruit, prescreen and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training. Equally important, the program providers offer structured pathways and manage the program graduates' transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship program in construction and the building trades.  

Click here to learn more about the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

CHICAGO — To show appreciation and lift the spirits of local seniors, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is collecting cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day.

“At this time of year when many of us are celebrating with our loved ones and families, let’s come together to make sure our seniors feel connected and appreciated,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This card drive will foster intergenerational connections in our community and ensure our elders feel just how loved and valuable they are to us.” 

Guzmán is encouraging residents to write handmade or store-bought cards to help bring joy to older adults who may be feeling lonely during Valentine’s Day. Cards can be mailed or delivered now through Feb. 12 to Guzmán’s office at 3140 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60618. 

For more information, contact Guzmán’s office at 773-278-2020.

CHICAGO — State Senator Graciela Guzmán is hosting a monthly legislative town hall on the last Monday of every month until the end of May to keep local residents informed of the legislative work going on in Springfield, and give them the opportunity to participate in the legislative process.

“I am excited to share the legislation I am advocating for with my community members who inspire and inform my work to make our district and state a better place to live,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “From holding polluters accountable to protecting reproductive health care access, we have many measures that will have a prolific impact on our state, and I can’t wait to discuss them with my constituents.” 

Guzmán’s first legislative town hall of 2026 will take place on Monday, Jan. 26 from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom. Attendees should register for this and future town halls by visiting bit.ly/ SD20Leg. Spanish interpretation will be available.