SPRINGFIELD — Following the Illinois Senate passing the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, State Senator Graciela Guzmán released the following statement:

“I got into public service after watching my grandfather lose his life due to lack of health care coverage as an immigrant in this country. I knew the tragedy my family experienced was preventable, as so many others are who face similar barriers to the basic right of health care coverage. I became an advocate to extend health care access to all people regardless of their immigration status, and began a lifelong career of fighting for Black and Brown communities, who for generations have not only been overlooked and disinvested in, but have borne the brunt of tax increases for the working class and tax decreases for the most wealthy. 

“Since taking office, I have worked non-stop to protect my community and the budget cuts that would affect them. I have sat in countless talks with my colleagues and stakeholders about the necessity of preserving HBIA, finding solutions to our budget problems through progressive revenue, and more. This budget does include some progressive revenue options, but it is not nearly enough to ensure our community has what they need in these uncertain times. 

“It is ridiculous to think that a high-rise corporation, thousands of feet above the everyday Illinoisan, is seen as more worthy of our protection than the single mothers, the immigrant families, and the person with disabilities trying to make ends meet. However, representatives from these corporations have claimed that small tax increases on them will leave them ruined. I am frustrated that these concerns were taken seriously and accounted for in the final budget agreement, while the asks of everyday Illinoisans, including taxing the most wealthy, were not. Without more progressive revenue solutions, we are enacting regressive measures that will harm the low and middle income earners —and I am frustrated that corporations were prioritized over people in the final agreement. 

SPRINGFIELD — State government agencies may soon be more efficient, thanks to a measure led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán that would clarify the scope of the Department of Innovation and Technology that passed the Senate on Friday.

“Clarity is beneficial to everyone—for the employees of DoIT, employees of other state agencies, and the people of Illinois,” said Senator Guzmán (D-Chicago). “With this initiative, our state agencies will be able to operate with more efficiency, and deliver results for the people of Illinois.”   

SPRINGFIELD — Working Illinoisans may soon have more protections against employers backing out of good faith negotiations, thanks to a measure led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán.

“In Illinois, the state that led nationwide movements for worker’s rights in the 18 and 1900s, we have protections for workers on the books, including the right for employees to collectively bargain and enter negotiations with their managers,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Under this bill, workers would be even more protected should their employer attempt to withdraw from the negotiation out of bad faith, so that their needs and interests are heard and their employer is brought to justice for their actions.” 

The Public Labor Relations Act, which went into effect in 1984, establishes many protections for Illinois workers, including the right for employees to approach their employer to negotiate their contracts, health and safety policies, hours, and more. According to the law, employers must meet with them in good faith before working on an agreement. 

SPRINGFIELD — As a union organizer and strong protector of worker’s rights, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is proud to advance legislation that would further protect working Illinoisans, and their right to collective bargaining.

“Laborers in Chicago laid the foundation of the worker’s rights movement nationwide, and are the reason our state has enshrined so many protections to this day,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This measure builds upon their work, and makes sure that employers are held accountable should they try to deny an employee or a group of workers their rights.”

The Public Labor Relations Act, which went into effect in 1984, establishes many protections for Illinois workers, including the right for employees to approach their employer to negotiate their contracts, health and safety policies, hours, and more. According to the measure, employers must meet with them in good faith before working on an agreement.