Dear Friend,

Earlier this month, I was honored to be sworn in as your state senator. I was humbled to take up the role as I am surrounded by so many intelligent, passionate community members who I hope to make proud in my service. However, it has been a difficult time to take office, given the recent attacks on our community from the newly inaugurated federal administration that has wasted no time enacting hateful initiatives targeting our immigrant and LGBTQIA+ neighbors. These attempts have only fueled my drive to advocate for my neighbors in the Illinois statehouse and fight for protections we should all be afforded as human beings. I plan to elevate our collective vision of economic justice for everyday people and self-determination for the working class with my position in the statehouse, as well as defend the protections for immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, and reproductive health care.

In my new tenure as state senator, I also intend to address the root causes of homelessness and the housing crisis, inhumane immigration policies, unfair labor practices, and more. I am also eager to bring my experience advocating for affordable, comprehensive healthcare to create legislation establishing healthcare as a human right. This cause is also deeply personal to me, having lost my grandfather, Elias, at a young age due to an inability to pay. In my previous work, I advocated for protecting coverage from repeal to a groundbreaking program for immigrant adults to community outreach around the Affordable Care Act. I am confident that I can utilize what I learned in these negotiations to create progressive policy that prioritizes patients over profits.


I am also eager to hear what issues are most important to you and will start Policy Roundtables in the near future. Stay tuned for information on how to register by following my social media on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram. I will also host a District Office Open House on Feb. 13th with more information below. I can’t wait to meet you and discuss our plans for change for our community and state!


In addition to invites to upcoming events, I’ve listed some helpful resources below, including utility bill assistance, housing grant and rental assistance, tips for cold weather safety, and more. There will also be links to my Know Your Rights newsletter and a helpful infographic to share with your neighbors to keep our immigrant friends and family safe in this stressful time.
Now, let’s get to work on making positive change for Illinois!


In solidarity,
 

Senator Graciela Guzmán
Senator Graciela Guzmán

she/her/ella

20th District

   

 

Upcoming Events

Health Care Special Enrollment Workshop


Open Enrollment on the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace ended on January 15th, 2025. However, you may be eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period if you have experienced a Qualifying Life Event. If you qualify for one of the life changes listed on the attached flyer this may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. The Qualifying Life Event may allow you a special window to enroll within 60 days of the event, or you may lose eligibility to enroll until the next Open Enrollment begins on November 1st, 2025. So please join us Wednesday, January 29th from 2pm-6pm at my district office, located at 3140 W. Montrose Avenue. A healthcare navigator from Get Covered Illinois will be here to assist you in creating an account and seeing if you are eligible. Hope to see you there!

Property Tax Appeals Workshop
 

Are you interested in appealing your property taxes but unsure where to start? Join me and other local elected officials for a Property Tax Appeals Workshop! There will be an informational presentation, and analysts will be available to assist you with your appeal. Hope to see you on Jan. 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Park branch of the Chicago Public Library.

Office Open House

I am excited to invite members of my community to an Open House of my district office! Stop by my office at 3140 W Montrose Ave. on Feb 13th to meet my staff and me, get information regarding how to best connect with state agencies, and enjoy some light refreshments!

 

Helpful Resources

$5,000 housing grant available for homeowners within NWHEAP boundaries facing late or delinquent property taxes

We're excited to share a valuable opportunity as part of a collaboration between Northwest Center, the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program, and DePaul University. You could be eligible for a one-time housing
grant $5,000 if you are a homeowner within NWHEAP boundaries facing late or delinquent property taxes. See the map below to see if you are in the boundaries.

Along with the grant, Northwest Center will provide financial education to help recipients manage their finances effectively.

To participate, homeowners should follow these steps:

  1. Reach Out to NWHEAP First: Community members must contact NWHEAP to begin the process. Call 773-622-0700 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  2. Complete the Application: Once completed, participants will be redirected to NWC for financial counseling tailored to their needs.
  3. Understand Payment Criteria: The grant payment will depend on the amount of taxes owed and the duration of delinquency.
  4. Financial Counseling: Participants must complete at least three counseling sessions with Northwest Center to qualify for fund forgiveness.

Know Your Rights Information

It is an unbelievably scary time for our city. As the new federal administration threatens our immigrant neighbors, please know that I will do all that I can to protect you and your loved ones and take solace in the knowledge that the community is with you, too. Save these flyers for essential information on your rights, and click here to read my previous newsletter outlining resources available that support immigrants in our community.

Rental assistance program open


The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance to tenants and landlords with pending cases in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for up to $15,000 in emergency rental payments that can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent to prevent eviction. Learn more and see if you qualify here.


Stay safe this winter

 


 

Winter storms increase the risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Stay safe this winter with these winter weather safety and preparedness tips.

Help Stop Hate


A new portal has been released to provide confidential support for our communities and neighbors affected by hate. Help Stop Hate will assist people in accessing the resources they need – such as physical and mental health care, trauma support, and more.
To file a report and receive help, visit IlStopHate.org or call 877-458-4283.

Utility bill assistance

 

Illinois families most in need can apply for utility bill assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This includes seniors, people with disabilities, families with children under age 6, and households facing utility disconnection. Learn more and apply here or call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages. Please visit here for a listing of sites on Chicago’s north side.

EV rebate application opens this month.


The Illinois EPA’s next Electric Vehicle Rebate Program funding cycle is now open, with $14 million available for rebates for the current fiscal year, which ends on April 30. You can learn more about the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program here.

Help for fire station construction or rehabilitation is here!

Strong fire stations build safer communities. Fire departments in need can apply for up to $350,000 in state funding to repair, upgrade or build stations. Applications close Feb. 28. Learn more.


Licensing processing updates


The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is expanding its pilot program for licensees looking to reinstate or restore their licenses. Professionals with 18 different license types can now find their reactivation requirements online instead of contacting IDFPR to determine their criteria. Our office can assist you if you have issues with renewal or receiving your license. Contact us at 773-278-2020 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

In the District

Defending Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance
 

I was proud to stand alongside community advocates, immigration and legal experts, and fellow elected officials recently to defend Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance, which was under attack by proposed amendments that would endanger immigrant, Black, and Brown communities.

The Welcoming City Ordinance protects all Chicagoans, ensuring safety, trust, and the fundamental rights of every resident.

Remaining a sanctuary city and state is critical to protecting all our communities, regardless of where they come from. We will not allow those seeking to dismantle our progress to prey on the most vulnerable in our communities.

I am grateful that city officials voted to retain Chicago’s status as a Sanctuary City. Read my full statement on this decision here.

Celebrating the Grand Opening of Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center

I was honored to join Humboldt Park Health and local electeds at the grand opening of the Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center. This center will be critical in bringing health resources to the West Side, including comprehensive wellness care.

I am incredibly proud of my colleague Senator Aquino, who fought tirelessly for millions of dollars in investments to ensure we can build intergenerational health, as he said passionately at the groundbreaking.

Investments like these are critical to ensuring health equity in Humboldt Park. I’m looking forward to continuing to work on efforts to advance community health that directly resource our neighbors with what they need to thrive.

Standing in solidarity at press conference on immigrant rights


 

I have deep gratitude to community organizations, including The Resurrection Project, and fellow electeds across the city for hosting a recent press conference spreading awareness about the rights afforded to immigrants in our community. Recent news surrounding possible ICE activity in Chicago next week is sending folks into deep fear and anxiety. We have an obligation to get Know Your Rights information and resources to folks all throughout the state. Regardless of your immigration status, you have constitutional rights:

  • The right to refuse entry to your home or workplace.
  • The right to refuse searches without a warrant. You have the right to see a warrant before you open your door. You can ask for it to be slipped under the doc through a mail slot or put against a window.
  • The right to remain silent.
  • The right to refuse to sign documents.
  • The right to refuse to give information about immigration status, place of birth, criminal history, and your family’s whereabouts.

To report activity or get help, call ICIRR’s Family Support Network Hotline at 1-855-435-7693 or visit https://www.trpimmigrantjustice.org/ to make an appointment for legal assistance.

Sharing Know Your Rights Information with the community


On MLK Day, over 150 community members, throughout our northwest communities and elected officials came out to say loud and clear that we plan to fight for the neighbors we love. We handed out KYR cards at train stations, grocery stores, and shops around the 20th District and the greater northwest side. We reminded our community that we remain a sanctuary city, county, and state and that we have rights under those statutes.

Thank you to everyone who showed up and showed up. It’s a draining time to do this work, but our district always shows up on behalf of our neighbors. We will continue to do the same to affirm the dignity and rights of every person regardless of identity, race, religion, gender, immigration status, and more.

Visiting Educare West DuPage with community leaders
 

It was great to tour Educare West DuPage recently. This early learning school not only sets up our young people for success with a foundational education in English and Spanish, but also serves their families and pregnant women in our community. Thank you for all that you do to shape our neighbors into the leaders of tomorrow.

 

In the News