My team and I have spent the last several weeks back in our neighborhoods, listening to your questions, concerns and ideas about Illinois' recently enacted Fiscal Year 2027 budget that was signed by the governor this week. Returning home has reinforced something I believed when I cast my vote on May 31.
This budget was necessary. It was not enough. Both things can be true.
I'm proud of what we accomplished as legislators, advocates and you all as community members that shared your feedback on issues, and I believe that even more today.
From the beginning of budget negotiations, my priorities were clear: help families make ends meet, strengthen food security, expand access to housing, protect health care and invest in the human services that families across Illinois rely on every day. In the face of unprecedented federal uncertainty, we protected critical investments in each of those areas while advancing innovative new revenue.
Together with organizers, advocates, legislative partners, members of the Affordability and Tax Justice Coalition and sponsors of bold revenue proposals, Illinois became the fourth state in the nation to pass a digital ads tax, an important first step toward building a tax system that doesn't continue to come off the backs of working people. We also passed other much-needed revenue that will help our state make investments that address much of the pressure you all feel in our district.
These priorities have only become more urgent since the passage of the federal HR1 “Big Beautiful Bill.” Families are already beginning to feel the impacts of federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, sometimes known as food stamps, and health care, and our state must be prepared to respond.
That's why this budget invested $70 million to create the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger, or FRESH, Program, providing $400 emergency payments to 120,000 Illinoisans who have already lost SNAP support. We also secured $50 million to strengthen SNAP and Medicaid eligibility systems so Illinois can better respond to new federal requirements and help families keep the benefits they qualify for.
As federal cuts continue to place enormous pressure on our health care system, we secured an additional $50 million for Federally Qualified Health Centers, $118 million for safety net hospitals and $9 million for free and charitable clinics serving uninsured Illinoisans. We also maintained more than $2.5 billion for services for people with developmental disabilities and secured a 60-cent hourly wage increase for direct support professionals. These investments matter, and I will continue fighting for the additional support that caregivers, seniors and people with disabilities deserve.
Education remained another top priority throughout budget negotiations. I'm proud that this budget officially launches the Illinois Department of Early Childhood, continues the Smart Start Illinois initiative that has already created more than 11,000 new preschool seats since 2023, provides an additional $55 million for the Child Care Assistance Program, $30 million for Early Intervention services and $35 million for after-school programs, and maintains funding for parent mentor programs that continue strengthening partnerships between families and schools. We also funded the largest MAP Grant program in state history, invested $300 million in our public universities and provided $100 million for community college renovations and deferred maintenance.
These investments will be a lifeline for many Illinois families.
They are also only a first step.
Since passing this budget, I have been home in the district. My team and I have listened to families worried about putting food on the table, keeping their health care, affording housing and whether their neighborhood schools will have the resources students deserve. The need in our communities is already outpacing what this budget alone could meet.
As we prepare for the next budget cycle, I remain committed to working with community members, advocates, experts, organizers and my legislative colleagues to advance revenue solutions that don't continue to come off the backs of working families. States across the country are showing there is another path, and Illinois has already begun walking it. Now we must continue with the urgency and policy ingenuity this moment demands.
As these federal cuts continue to unfold, my office will keep showing up in our neighborhoods, connecting residents to services, listening to your concerns and fighting for the resources our communities deserve. We will be launching rotating hours across the 20th district to bring SNAP and Medicaid assistance alongside state resources to your ward even if you cannot make it to our district office. Stay tuned for hours and locations.
We will also continue to listen. We have multiple in person legislative town halls in the coming weeks. I hope to see you and discuss ways my office and I can continue to move in service of you and our broader community. Read on for information on these events, further budget highlights, legislative updates and resources available to you and your family.
We are with you. Whether you need help navigating a state agency, accessing benefits or sharing what's happening in your community, please know that my team and I are here to help.
If you need assistance with state services or have questions about legislation, please contact my office at 773-278-2020.
In solidarity,
Senator Graciela Guzmán
20th District
SNAP Benefits
Need help with SNAP benefits? Our constituent services team is here to help residents navigate SNAP issues and get answers to their questions. Contact us at 773-278-2020,
In the District
Visiting Office Hours
Our office is excited to announce we will be traveling throughout the district this summer bringing our state services to local aldermanic offices. Our first visit will be in the 30th Ward in partnership with Alderwoman Ruth Cruz. Please visit us June 23 at 5418 W. Belmont Ave. for help with Medicaid, SNAP redetermination, Department of Aging and much more.
Town Hall
I’m excited to join The People’s Lobby and my northwest side colleagues on June 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a discussion on how our communities can lead the fight for a just and fair state budget! We’ll break down what passed, what didn’t, what fights remain and how we continue organizing for a budget that reflects the needs of working people across Illinois.
You can RSVP at bit.ly/fundillinoisfamilies.
Northwest Side Progressive Town Hall
Join us for a community catch up with Northwest Side Progressive on Tuesday, July 7, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Grace and Peace Church – GAP Community Center, located at 1856 N. Leclaire Ave. RSVP here.
30th Ward Summer Bash!
Summer is officially here! We’re excited to join the 30th Ward office for a summer bash on June 27 at 10 a.m. at Parkview Playlot, located at 3823 W. School St., to kick off summer! We’ll have fun activities and resources regarding state programs, such as SNAP!
Advocate Mobile Health Van
Advocate Health Care will provide free adult health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose and Body Mass Index, as well as health education information on Wednesday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Nicolai Church, located at 3000 N. Kedzie Ave. If you have questions please call 312-909-7579 or click here.
Advocate Health Hot Food Distribution
Advocate health care is providing free hot meals in July. For more information click here.
Community Budget Feedback Sessions
Chicago Public Schools invites you to attend a community budget feedback session addressing the district’s budget for the 2026-2027 school year. RSVP here.
Narcan Newsstand
Office update: We have free Narcan!
Thank you to Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez and the Chicago Department of Health for providing us with a stand!
Food Resources
30th Ward Food Pantry
The 30th Ward food pantry at 5418 W. Belmont Ave. is open Monday through Friday.
For more food resources, visit:
https://www.senatorguzman.com/the-20th-district/food-pantries
https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/#find-food
Onward House food pantry
Belmont Cragin residents in need of groceries can join Onward House for their weekly food pantry. They are open Tuesdays from 2-6 p.m. and Thursdays from 1-6 p.m. Located at 5433 W. Diversey Ave. Check out their website here: https://onwardhouse.org/
Community food pantry
There will be monthly food distribution at 4834 W. Montana all summer! Doors open at 10 a.m. and will be open until supplies run out!
Additional Resources
Veteran services
Reach out to Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County for their services! These include, but are not limited to, rental assistance, transportation services, food assistance and bus passes. To learn more about Shuttle Service, click here.
Northwest Side Rapid Response
Call the Family Support Hotline at 855-435-7693 to report ICE activity or receive assistance with deportation legal support, immigrant health care resources and more.
SNAP Benefits
Need help with SNAP benefits? Our constituent services team is here to help residents navigate SNAP issues and get answers to their questions. Contact us at 773-278-2020,
In the District
Visiting Office Hours
Our office is excited to announce we will be traveling throughout the district this summer bringing our state services to local aldermanic offices. Our first visit will be in the 30th Ward in partnership with Alderwoman Ruth Cruz. Please visit us June 23 at 5418 W. Belmont Ave. for help with Medicaid, SNAP redetermination, Department of Aging and much more.
Town Hall
I’m excited to join The People’s Lobby and my northwest side colleagues on June 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a discussion on how our communities can lead the fight for a just and fair state budget! We’ll break down what passed, what didn’t, what fights remain and how we continue organizing for a budget that reflects the needs of working people across Illinois.
You can RSVP at bit.ly/fundillinoisfamilies.
Northwest Side Progressive Town Hall
Join us for a community catch up with Northwest Side Progressive on Tuesday, July 7, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Grace and Peace Church – GAP Community Center, located at 1856 N. Leclaire Ave. RSVP here.
30th Ward Summer Bash!
Summer is officially here! We’re excited to join the 30th Ward office for a summer bash on June 27 at 10 a.m. at Parkview Playlot, located at 3823 W. School St., to kick off summer! We’ll have fun activities and resources regarding state programs, such as SNAP!
Advocate Mobile Health Van
Advocate Health Care will provide free adult health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose and Body Mass Index, as well as health education information on Wednesday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Nicolai Church, located at 3000 N. Kedzie Ave. If you have questions please call 312-909-7579 or click here.
Advocate Health Hot Food Distribution
Advocate health care is providing free hot meals in July. For more information click here.
Community Budget Feedback Sessions
Chicago Public Schools invites you to attend a community budget feedback session addressing the district’s budget for the 2026-2027 school year. RSVP here.
Narcan Newsstand
Office update: We have free Narcan!
Thank you to Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez and the Chicago Department of Health for providing us with a stand!
Food Resources
30th Ward Food Pantry
The 30th Ward food pantry at 5418 W. Belmont Ave. is open Monday through Friday.
For more food resources, visit:
https://www.senatorguzman.com/the-20th-district/food-pantries
https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/#find-food
Onward House food pantry
Belmont Cragin residents in need of groceries can join Onward House for their weekly food pantry. They are open Tuesdays from 2-6 p.m. and Thursdays from 1-6 p.m. Located at 5433 W. Diversey Ave. Check out their website here: https://onwardhouse.org/
Community food pantry
There will be monthly food distribution at 4834 W. Montana all summer! Doors open at 10 a.m. and will be open until supplies run out!
Additional Resources
Veteran services
Reach out to Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County for their services! These include, but are not limited to, rental assistance, transportation services, food assistance and bus passes. To learn more about Shuttle Service, click here.
Northwest Side Rapid Response
Call the Family Support Hotline at 855-435-7693 to report ICE activity or receive assistance with deportation legal support, immigrant health care resources and more.
Senadora Graciela Guzmán
20th District
Beneficios de SNAP
¿Necesita ayuda con los beneficios de SNAP? Nuestro equipo de atención al constituyente está a su disposición para ayudar a los residentes a resolver sus dudas sobre SNAP y responder a sus preguntas. Póngase en contacto con nosotros en el 773-278-2020, en
En el Distrito
Horario de atención al público
Nuestra oficina se complace en anunciar que este verano viajaremos por todo el distrito para llevar nuestros servicios estatales a las oficinas de los concejales locales. Nuestra primera visita será en el distrito 30, en colaboración con la concejala Ruth Cruz. Visítenos el 23 de junio en el 5418 W. Belmont Ave. si necesita ayuda con Medicaid, la revisión de la determinación de SNAP, el Departamento de la Tercera Edad y mucho más.
Junta comunitaria
¡Estoy emocionada de unirme a el Lobby del Pueblo/The People’s Lobby y a mis compañeros del noroeste de la ciudad el 20 de junio, de 11 a.m. a 2 p.m., en el instituto Carl Schurz, en el 3601 N. Milwaukee Ave., para hablar sobre cómo nuestras comunidades pueden liderar la lucha por un presupuesto estatal justo y equitativo! Analizaremos qué se ha aprobado, qué no, qué luchas quedan por delante y cómo seguimos organizándonos para conseguir un presupuesto que refleje las necesidades de la clase trabajadora de todo Illinois.
Puede confirmar su asistencia en bit.ly/fundillinoisfamilies
Junta pública progresista del noroeste de la ciudad
Acompáñenos en un encuentro comunitario con Northwest Side Progressive el martes 7 de julio, de 5:30 a 7:30 p.m., en la iglesia Grace and Peace —Centro Comunitario GAP—, en el 1856 N. Leclaire Ave.
Fiesta de verano del Distrito 30
¡El verano ya está aquí oficialmente! ¡Estamos emocionados de unirnos a la oficina del Distrito 30 para celebrar una fiesta de verano el 27 de junio a las 10 a.m. en el parque infantil Parkview Playlot y dar así la bienvenida al verano! Habrá actividades divertidas e información sobre programas estatales como SNAP.
El vehículo móvil de atención médica Advocate
Advocate Health Care ofrecerá revisiones médicas gratuitas para adultos, que incluirán la medición de la tensión arterial, la glucemia y el índice de masa corporal, así como información sobre educación médica, el miércoles 15 de julio, de 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. en la iglesia de St. Nicolai, en el 3000 al norte de la avenida Kedzie. Si tiene alguna duda, llame al 312-909-7579 o haga clic aquí.
Distribución de comida caliente de Advocate Health
Advocate Health Care ofrecerá comidas calientes gratuitas durante el mes de julio. Para obtener más información, haz clic aquí.
Sesiones de comentarios sobre el presupuesto
Las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago le invitan a asistir a una sesión comunitaria para opinar sobre el presupuesto del distrito para el año escolar 2026-2027. Confirme su asistencia aquí.
Narcan Newstand
¡Tenemos Narcan gratuito!
¡Gracias al concejal Jessie Fuentes, a la concejala Rossana Rodríguez y al Departamento de Salud de Chicago por proporcionarnos un kiosco!
Recursos Alimentarios
Banco de alimentos del distrito 30
El banco de alimentos del Distrito 30, en el número 5418 al oeste de la avenida Belmont, está abierto de lunes a viernes.
Para obtener más información sobre recursos alimentarios, visite:
https://www.senatorguzman.com/the-20th-district/food-pantries
https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/#find-food
Banco de alimentos comunitario
Los residentes de Belmont Cragin que necesiten alimentos pueden acudir a Onward House para aprovechar su servicio semanal de distribución de alimentos. El horario es los martes de 2:00 p.m. a 6 p.m. y los jueves de 1 a 6 p.m. Se encuentra en el 5433 W. Diversey Ave. Visite su página web.
Banco de alimentos comunitario
¡Durante todo el verano habrá entrega mensual de alimentos en el 4834 W. Montana! ¡Las puertas se abrirán a las 10 de la mañana y estarán abiertas hasta que se agoten las existencias!
Additional Resources
Servicios para veteranos
¡Póngase en contacto con la Comisión de Asistencia a los Veteranos del condado de Cook para conocer sus servicios! Estos incluyen, entre otros, ayudas para el alquiler, servicios de transporte, ayudas alimentarias y tarjetas de autobús. Para obtener más información sobre el servicio de transporte, haga clic aquí.
Repuesta rápida del lado noreste
Llama a la línea de ayuda para familias al 855-435-7693 para informar sobre actividades de ICE o recibir asistencia en materia de apoyo legal ante la deportación, recursos médicos para inmigrantes y mucho más.
