SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to a measure led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán and State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid, schools across the state will soon receive incentives to expand dual language programs in grade schools at no cost to their school districts.  

“Expanding dual language programs in our state sets our young people up for a more successful future,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Research shows these programs not only improve their future prospects, they also foster more cross-cultural curiosity. Adopting programs like those outlined in HB 3026 helps ensure learners in Illinois also grow up to be well-rounded, understanding individuals of those that are different from them.”  

House Bill 3026 implements several proposals put forth by the Illinois Advisory Council for Bilingual Education, including adopting statewide guidance for dual language instruction, developing a recruitment and retention platform to attract potential bilingual educators, and expanding the Seal of Biliteracy recognition pathways to enhance students’ future opportunities. In addition, the measure enhances equity by integrating dual language programming into the State Board of Education’s broader framework of student learning and directs the agency to develop teaching standards for dual language education. 

CHICAGO — Thanks to advocacy from State Senator Graciela Guzmán, the 20th Senate District will see nearly $26 million coming to the community for infrastructure improvements. 

“It is imperative that we invest in our infrastructure to prioritize the safety of our residents,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This latest round of funding is working toward making my community a safer place for commuters and visitors, while boosting our local economy at the same time.” 

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. IDOT’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Graciela Guzmán backed a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.

“No senior should be forced out of their home because our tax system hasn’t kept pace with economic reality,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “By raising income limits and modernizing protections, we’re taking real steps to correct inequities and ensure older residents aren’t carrying the burden of rising costs alone.”

Senate Bill 642 would deliver critical updates to help seniors on fixed incomes and help families facing economic challenges manage rising property tax costs. Under the measure, the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption would increase substantially over the next several years, beginning at $75,000 for taxable year 2026, increasing to $77,000 for taxable year 2027 and settling at $79,000 for taxable year 2028 and beyond.

CHICAGO — Following the detention of a day care teacher at Rayito del Sol by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents Wednesday morning, State Senator Graciela Guzmán (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“I am once again appalled at the callousness these agents displayed at their most recent operation, stooping so low as to target day care teachers, and their disregard for any empathy they may have for people who are different from them. It is inexcusable for armed agents to barge in and out of several daycare classrooms to apprehend a teacher in front of young students. Sadly, this is the level of cruelty we are seeing daily under the Trump administration, where Black and Brown Chicagoans are living in fear that they will be abducted next without any probable cause.

“Rayito del Sol is a Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center that does amazing work to support our youngest community members grow and learn. Imagine having a child in those classrooms who had to watch their beloved teacher abducted by two masked, armed men, without knowing if they will ever see them again. How are they meant to feel safe in their classroom—a space that is likely their first venture outside of their own home—and any classrooms or spaces they go into as they get older?