SPRINGFIELD —To ensure constituents feel comfortable bringing a complaint if they believe they are facing unlawful discrimination with AI, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is leading legislation that would codify the Illinois Department of Human Rights' present interpretation of the law.   

“As technology continues to evolve, our laws also need to evolve,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “I want my constituents and Illinoisans at large to feel comfortable bringing a complaint if they believe they are subject to unlawful discrimination, regardless of whether the instance is related to housing, employment, or any other means.” 

Senate Bill 613 would make it clear that violations of the Illinois Human Rights Act that are conducted using artificial intelligence are unlawful discrimination.

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure people with disabilities no longer have to choose between higher pay and receiving essential disability services, State Senator Graciela Guzmán introduced legislation to remove the income and asset limits currently on the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities program.  

“People with other ability levels are not expected to pass up on job opportunities because they would lose access to essential health care coverage,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities program does amazing work to support individuals with disabilities, but could be an even better asset if it was expanded to support folks making a higher income.” 

The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities was created in 2002 so that people with disabilities can work without fear of losing access to Medicaid coverage or being denied health care for preexisting conditions. Currently, this program is only available to individuals who make less than 350% of the Federal Poverty Level and have less than $25,000 worth of non-exempt assets. For an individual, this means making $4,564 a month or $54,775 annually. 

SPRINGFIELD — College students experiencing hunger may soon have relief, thanks to an initiative led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán to expand eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in Illinois.

“Students facing food insecurity may not be able to perform as well as their peers academically, restricting them from the same achievements and career opportunities they could reach if they had access to basic needs,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 1298 would ensure no student goes hungry, helping all students achieve more academically and for their future.” 

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, nearly two-thirds of students in the U.S. who are eligible for SNAP are not receiving benefits. Many students are deterred from applying because they assume or are advised incorrectly that they are not eligible. Others who do apply are rejected in error because the rules for students are so complex.

SPRINGFIELD — By collecting data on the need for more affordable housing options, State Senator Graciela Guzmán joined the initiative to incentivize government agencies and organizations to invest and support affordable housing projects throughout the state.

“If you ask everyday Illinoisians, they will tell you one of their biggest concerns is the rising cost of housing. Working people desperately need more affordable housing options,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “To ensure we can pass policies to address this need, we must have data to reflect the demand and the available inventory of affordable housing available for sale or for rent in low-income and middle-income households in each local government in Illinois.”

Illinois has passed legislation addressing housing insecurity by prioritizing the needs of the state’s most vulnerable to experiencing homelessness. The Office to Prevent and End Homelessness has implemented a multi-year strategy, Home Illinois, to strive towards functional zero homelessness statewide. Additionally, the Illinois Housing Development Authority finances and encourages the growth and preservation of affordable housing for renters at 80% of the area median income and below. These measures have worked to prevent some of the most vulnerable Illinoisans from experiencing homelessness.