SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Graciela Guzmán is championing a new initiative that would alleviate college student hunger by expanding eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in Illinois.

“It is hard to succeed in school when you’re hungry,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Helping students, especially low-income scholars, who are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, succeed academically and economically is not only smart, but also the right thing to do for the next generation.”

Nearly two thirds of students in the U.S. who are eligible for SNAP are not receiving benefits, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. 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.

Without this initiative, students are not eligible for SNAP unless they meet special conditions, such as working at least 20 hours a week at a paid job in addition to going to school. Senate Bill 1298 would streamline and expand eligibility for SNAP benefits, allowing all students at public colleges and universities in Illinois to benefit from the program provided they meet income and other eligibility requirements.

SPRINGFIELD —To better address the growing issue of contraband in prisons, State Senator Graciela Guzmán passed a measure through committee to collect and publicize data on contraband found in each Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facility, including how it entered the facility and how those possessing it were punished.

“For the safety of people who are incarcerated as well as staff who have a duty to intervene in these situations, we need to do more to prevent contraband from moving into prisons,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “However, our methods to prevent contraband need to be rooted in facts and data. This new initiative will help us get a better understanding of where contraband is coming from before imposing new regulations that are not based on evidence—methods that further isolate and dehumanize people who are incarcerated.”

Senate Bill 2201 would require the Illinois Department of Corrections to collect and publish data concerning contraband found in their facilities, including the type of contraband, where in the facility it was identified, and the method of entry into the facility. It would also make public the consequences for people in custody for possessing or attempting to procure contraband to ensure any disciplinary actions meet ethical standards and do not include excessive force.

SPRINGFIELD — Following Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Graciela Guzmán expressed gratitude and frustration for elements of the proposed budget.

“Every Illinoisan should receive the health benefits and services they need to live healthy lives,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “As a firm believer in healthcare for all, I am eager to expand on the governor’s recommendations in the final budget so that hardworking Illinoisans can access the care they need without going into debt.” 

This budget proposal recommended a $30 million investment to help more than three million Illinoisans with medical needs, including more than 785,000 adults eligible through the Affordable Care Act. These funds include a total of $15 million for the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program Fund, a program to erase medical debt for 300,000 Illinois residents.

However, while the proposal seeks to make health care more accessible for some Illinoisans, it does not propose allocating funds for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program, potentially leaving low-income adults aged 42 to 64 without insurance coverage. Guzmán, a fierce advocate for immigrant adults, expressed her commitment to fighting for investments in this program in the final budget. 

CHICAGO — To keep local residents informed of the legislative work going on in Springfield, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is hosting a monthly legislative town hall every fourth Monday until the end of May, beginning on Monday, Feb. 24.

“While the legislative committee and floor hearings are available to the public, many folks do not have the free time to listen in and follow all of the initiatives we are working on,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “These town halls will offer a rundown of what has been happening in Springfield, and provide more information for those who want to become more involved in the legislative process.”

Guzmán’s first legislative town hall will take place on Monday, Feb. 24 from 7-8 p.m. The first meeting will be held virtually, but the senator hopes to move to a hybrid meeting format in the future. Spanish interpretation will be available.