Welcome to Senator Graciela Guzmán's legislative website

Guzmán bill to protect patients from greedy health care corporations passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – With Illinois residents facing skyrocketing health care costs and pressure on housing from property taxes and inflation, State Senator Graciela Guzmán has advanced legislation through the Senate to protect those burdened by health care debt from having a lien placed on their home during a health care debt collection.

“I condemn this practice of threating a family’s home because they are in medical debt,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “No person should have to go into medical debt in order to get the care they need in the first place, and placing a lien on that person’s home, that they have worked so hard for, is unacceptable.”

This bill came forward after the House sponsor heard from constituents affected by the acquisition of St. Margaret’s Hospital in Peru by OSF HealthCare. After that acquisition, families saw more aggressive medical debt collection practices, including liens on homes for medical debts sometimes as low as $2,000.

Read more: Guzmán bill to protect patients from greedy health care corporations passes Senate

Guzmán effort to expand mammogram access moves forward

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán is pushing to allow mammograms under all health insurance policies regardless of the person’s age.

“Young people should not be burdened by cost if they and their health care provider find they require a mammogram,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Earlier detection of breast cancer can lead to more effective treatment and better survival rates for those diagnosed.”

Guzman’s legislation would expand mammogram coverage to align with evidence-based clinical guidelines and the recommendations of a healthcare provider, including when medically appropriate for individuals under 35. Under the measure, mammograms would be covered for patients of any age when deemed necessary by a healthcare provider.

Read more: Guzmán effort to expand mammogram access moves forward

Guzmán effort to ensure the right to wear protective medical equipment passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s effort to enshrine the right to wear protective medical equipment without fear of retaliation passed the Senate today.

“We cannot allow politics to get in the way of an individual’s access to protective medical equipment,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This bill preserves choice, access and public health in Illinois.”

The Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act – or Kiki’s Law – would give all individuals the right to wear protective medical equipment in public accommodations without having to disclose personal health information. It prohibits discrimination, harassment, denial of service, eviction, retaliation, or employer penalties related to wearing protective medical equipment, with limited exceptions for security and operational safety.

An initiative of Access Living and the Right to Mask Coalition, the legislation honors the legacy of Colette “Kiki” Walkington, who had complex medical needs. Following a kidney transplant from her father, Kiki relied on immunosuppressants and was at risk of serious illness. Medical masks worn by her family provided protection and allowed Kiki to live a fuller life.

“Kiki was a person with a disability who was immunocompromised and her family wore protective medical equipment every single day to keep her safe especially when leaving the house,” said Sebastian Nall, policy analyst at Access Living. “Kiki’s family is a perfect example of a family that would be positively impacted by the passing of this legislation.”

“Folks should not be intimidated for using equipment that makes themselves and their community safer,” said Guzmán. “Harassment based on medical decisions and mask bans have no place in our state.”

Senate Bill 3340 passed the Senate and heads to the House for further consideration.

Guzmán pushes to decouple adult education from federal rules

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s latest effort to decouple Illinois adult education funding from federal rules passed the Senate Higher Education Committee Wednesday.

“Many Illinois residents benefit from adult education courses and Illinoisans should have control over how our state funds these programs,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Higher education continues to be under assault while the Trump administration is in power – and this is not a path we will willingly follow.”

The measure comes as the Trump administration continues to threaten education funding and demand an unprecedented role in university admission, curriculum and operations. Without action from the state, federal threats to education programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act could limit Illinois residents’ access to higher education and key adult education programs.

Guzmán’s legislation would clarify and strengthen the administration of state-funded adult education programs in Illinois. The bill would ensure that Illinois law, not the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, governs state-only adult education programs. The state’s matching portion of WIOA funds – currently 25% – would continue to be subject to federal requirements.

Under Guzmán’s initiative, community colleges and educational institutions could use funding for additional purposes, including digital literacy education. The measure would further update eligibility for community college adult education programs to students age 17 and up.

“By preserving access to adult education programs we can continue to bring benefits to adult learners and local economies,” said Guzmán. “Illinois needs to be able to weather the storm of politicization and chaos from the federal administration. Our responsibility is to ensure services are not disrupted for people trying to make themselves and their community better.”

House Bill 5135 has passed the Senate Higher Education Committee on Wednesday.

###