Dear friend,

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Graciela Guzmán, and I am your new State Senator of the 20th District. I officially became your new Senator on Jan. 8. I apologize for not beginning my tenure with a formal introduction and a summary of my legislative agenda, but unfortunately, current events take precedence and demand my immediate action so we can keep our community safe.

Chicago is a sanctuary city–which means immigrants, documented and undocumented, are protected and welcomed here. I am proud of the commitment of the city and state to maintaining our status as a welcoming, safe space for our immigrant and undocumented neighbors, despite recent efforts to change this. However, it is still important to be aware of the rights you are afforded, and how you can protect yourself from detainment.

To be frank, it is an unbelievably scary time for our city. Now more than ever, we need to come together in solidarity with each other, because an attack on our immigrant neighbors is an attack on all of us. Know that I will do all I can to protect my immigrant neighbors, and take solace in the knowledge that the rest of your community is with you, too.

On that note, I would like to dedicate this special newsletter to sharing information from yesterday’s Know Your Rights and ICE Watch Training hosted by the Northwest Side Progressives where I joined Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, State Senators Karina Villa and Omar Aquino, State Representatives Will Guzzardi and Lilian Jímenez, Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada, and Alderpeople Carlos Rosa, Jessie Fuentes, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, and Ruth Cruz.

At a Northwest Side Debrief event on November 16, 2024, over 400 neighbors committed to defending our communities from attacks on our neighbors, and we have since established a Deportation Defense Working Group that began meeting in December to organize and plan in preparation for the incoming administration’s plans to begin deportations in our communities possibly as soon as next week.

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.