SPRINGFIELD —More people will soon have the opportunity to become homeowners through community land trusts, thanks to an initiative led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán that was signed into law on Friday.

“As the American dream of homeownership seems farther and farther away for many working Illinoisans, community land trusts have proven to be an effective solution for folks to purchase their first home and build generational wealth,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “I am strongly in favor of this people-first model to become more common throughout Illinois and our country, and believe this law will help them become more common.”

Community land trusts, or CLTs, are community-based, nonprofit organizations that manage a parcel of land to preserve long-term affordability of homes created through subsidies. CLTs sell homes on the land they manage at affordable prices to a qualifying homebuyer. Oftentimes, they place limits on the incomes of people looking to purchase homes to ensure affordable housing is going to people in the most financial need. Driven by constituents, for constituents, this model aims to keep folks in the community that may otherwise be priced out by corporate rent and mortgage rates.

SPRINGFIELD —A new measure supported by State Senator Graciela Guzmán to prevent overdoses in Department of Corrections facilities was signed into law on Friday.

“In order to prevent tragic overdose deaths, we need to better understand where contraband drugs are coming from, instead of enacting policies without evidence demonstrating it will be effective in stopping the proliferation of banned goods,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago).  “Thanks to our work with this legislation, we will soon have a better understanding of how these goods get into DOC facilities, so we can begin work to prevent their movement and consumption.”

Senate Bill 2201 requires 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 also makes 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.

CHICAGO — State Senator Graciela Guzmán is hosting a State of Transit Town Hall on Saturday, Aug. 16, with special guest State Senator Ram Villivalam to share updates about the state of transit in Illinois. 

“Whether it’s for commuting to and from work, getting groceries, or seeking health care, people in my community rely on public transit to live their lives, and could face dire consequences for their quality of life if our system is no longer a viable option,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “That is why I am hosting a forum for public opinion on this issue: so we can hear firsthand what folks are experiencing, and offer them peace of mind with our proposed solutions moving forward.” 

The northeastern Illinois transit region is expected to hit a $771 million fiscal cliff as federal pandemic relief funding runs out. Public transit riders are currently facing issues with the system, including delayed service, a lack of routes and limited coordination of services between providers. This presents an issue for many, as they are left without reliable transportation to reach health care appointments, jobs, school and more.

CHICAGO —Two measures co-sponsored by State Senator Graciela Guzmán to secure more supports for high school students when applying for college and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA, were signed into law recently.

“Growing up as the eldest daughter in an immigrant household, it was incumbent on me to fill out the FAFSA forms myself, and navigate this difficult and confusing process alone at 17 years old,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “By establishing time for students to fill out their FAFSA during school, we are giving working students more opportunities to be able to fill out this form and get questions answered.”

House Bill 3096 requires high schools to designate a member of their staff to serve as a point of contact for students on matters concerning the application. This creates clarity on who young people can turn to if they have questions or need assistance with the process.