Guzmán, Rashid expand dual language instruction for Illinois students

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. 

• HB 3026
• Dual Language

Read more: Guzmán, Rashid expand dual language instruction for Illinois students

Guzmán supports nearly $26 million coming to 20th Senate District infrastructure improvements

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.

• Infrastructure

Read more: Guzmán supports nearly $26 million coming to 20th Senate District infrastructure improvements

Guzmán supports legislation to give property tax relief for seniors

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.

• Property Tax Relief
• Seniors
• SB 642

Read more: Guzmán supports legislation to give property tax relief for seniors

Warming Centers in the 20th District

Chicago Public Library - Albany Park Branch

• 3401 W. Foster Ave.
• (773) 539-5450
• Hours: M and W 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; T and Th 12-8 p.m.; Fri and Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun 1-5 p.m., closed 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26 and 3/2/26

Chicago Public Library – Lincoln Belmont Branch

• 1659 W. Melrose St.
• (312) 744-0166
• Hours: M and W 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; T and Th 12-8 p.m.; Fri and Sat 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun 1-5 p.m., closed 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26 and 3/2/26

Chicago Public Library – Logan Square Branch

• 3030 W. Fullerton Ave.
• (312) 744-5295
• Hours: M and W 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; T and Th 12-8 p.m.; Fri and Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun 1-5 p.m., closed 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26 and 3/2/26

Chicago Public Library – Humboldt Park Branch

• 1605 N. Troy St.
• (312) 744-2244
• Hours: M and W 12-8 p.m.; T and Th 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri and Sat 9 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sun 1-5 p.m., closed 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26 and 3/2/26

Chicago Public Library – Portage-Cragin Branch

• 5108 W. Belmont Ave.
• (312) 744-0152
• Hours: M and W 12-8 p.m.; T and Th 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Fri and Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun 1-5 p.m., closed 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26 and 3/2/26

Chicago Public Library - Independence Branch

• 4024 N. Elston Ave.
• (312) 744-0900
• Hours: M and W 10 a.m. -6 p.m.; T and Th 12-8 p.m.; Fri and Sat 9 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sun 1-5 p.m., closed 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26 and 3/2/26

Chicago Public Library – Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch

• 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave.
• (312) 744-6022
• Hours: M and W 12-8 p.m.; T and Th 10 a.m. -6 p.m.; Fri and Sat 9 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sun 1-5 p.m., closed 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26 and 3/2/26

Chicago Public Library - Lincoln Park Branch

• 1150 W. Fullerton Ave.
• (312) 744-1926
• Hours: M and W 10 a.m. -6 p.m.; T and Th 12-8 p.m.; Fri and Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun 1-5, closed 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26 and 3/2/26

Kilbourn Park

• 3501 N. Kilbourn
• Hours: M-F 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat & Sun 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., 2/12/26 and 2/16/26 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Jensen Park

• 4650 N. Lawndale
• Hours: 2/12 3:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; closed 2/16

Holstein Park

• 2200 N. Oakley
• Hours: M-F 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat 9am-3pm; Sun Closed, 2/12/26 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; closed 2/16

Horner Park

• 2741 W. Montrose
• Hours: M-F 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat & Sun 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed 2/12/26 and 2/16/26

Kosciuszko Park

• 2732 N. Avers
• Hours: 2/12 closed; 2/16 9 a.m. -3 p.m.

Hamlin Park

• 3035 N. Hoyne
• Hours: M-F 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat & Sun 10 a.m. -4 p.m., closed 2/12/26; 2/16 9 a.m. -5 p.m.

Hermosa Park

• 2240 N. Kilbourn
• Hours: 2/12 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.; closed 2/16

Brands Park

• 3259 N. Elston
• Hours: 2/12 2-6 p.m.; closed 2/16

Eugene Field Park

• 5100 N. Ridgeway
• Hours: 2/12 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; closed 2/16

River Park

• 5100 N. Francisco
• Hours: M-F 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sun Closed, 2/12/26 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; 2/16 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Avondale Park

• 3516 W. School
• Hours: M- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; T Th 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; W&F 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 2/12 and 2/16 closed

Police District 17

• 4650 N Pulaski Rd.
• 312-742-4410

Police District 14

• 2150 N California Ave.
• 312-744-8290

Northwest Regional Senior Center

• 3160 N. Milwaukee Avenue
• 312-744-6681
• M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26 and 3/2/26

North Center Satellite Senior Center

• 4040 N. Oakley
• 312-744-4015
• M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26 and 3/2/26

Kelvyn Park Satellite Senior Center

• 2715 N. Cicero
• 312-744-3350
• M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed 1/1/26, 1/19/26, 2/12/26, 2/16/26 and 3/2/26

 

• In the District
• Resources