Welcome to Senator Graciela Guzmán legislative website

Guzmán champions human rights protections for tenants who are survivors of gender based violence

SPRINGFIELD – In the fight for affordable housing for all people in Illinois, State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to provide human rights protections to prospective tenants who are survivors of gender-based violence passed the Senate Executive Committee.

“When we talk about housing, we are not just talking about buildings or leases,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “We are talking about safety. We are talking about dignity. We are talking about whether people have a real chance to rebuild their lives.”

Senate Bill 330 would provide that it is a civil rights violation to unlawfully discriminate against a prospective tenant because of a person's history of experiencing domestic or sexual violence. According to Illinois Legal Aid, people who have survived domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault might also face barriers to their housing because of these abuses. People who rent their homes are three times more likely to face violence than people who own their homes.

Read more: Guzmán champions human rights protections for tenants who are survivors of gender based violence

Guzmán supports renters by cracking down on landlords and AI corporations

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of sky-high rental costs in Chicago and across Illinois, Senator Graciela Guzmán is working to crack down on price fixing schemes landlords conduct using AI algorithms.

“Renters deserve a fair, transparent and accountable housing market,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago).  “AI algorithms allow landlords to rig the market in their favor and gouge every dollar from families looking for a place to live. We need to crack down on AI-driven rent fixing schemes that hurt competition and renters.”

AI-driven rental pricing platforms are known to facilitate rent price-fixing, causing artificial, double-digit rent increases in an era when people are already struggling to afford their day-to-day life. Under Senate Bill 343, landlords would not be able to coordinate pricing indirectly through a shared third-party service or software, such as an algorithm that sets prices across multiple competing landlords. This legislation would prohibit the use of rent-setting algorithms by banning:

• Fixing, controlling or maintaining rental pricing, fees, or any other rental term for residential rental units in Illinois
• Engaging in price coordination for residential rental units in the state, including through the sale, licensure, or provision of any service or product that involves price coordination of residential rental units.

• Makes it a violation to engage in price coordination or use, subscribe to, or contract with a service that involves price coordination for residential rental units in the state.

According to the Sanford Journal of Public Policy, rent across Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods jumped 10% over the past year, and RealPage’s recommendations can translate into rent hikes 5 to 10% above market value. In Chicago alone, roughly one-third of multifamily rental units, about 100,000 apartments, are now influenced by RealPage’s algorithm.

Read more: Guzmán supports renters by cracking down on landlords and AI corporations

Guzmán pushes to decouple adult education from federal rules

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to decouple Illinois adult education funding from federal rules passed the Senate Thursday.

“Adult education programs need to be seen as necessary, not optional,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Education institutions continue to be pressured by the Trump administration and Illinois needs to stand up for its adult learners.”

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.

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Guzmán effort to expand mammogram access to all ages passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s push to allow mammograms under all health insurance policies regardless of the person’s age has passed the Senate.

“If a health care provider or a patient has a concern, there should not be an arbitrary age limit for proper care,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Issues addressed sooner can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer and that will bring 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 health care 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.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. However, if it is detected while still in its earlier stages, breast cancer can be successfully treated. Routine mammograms and breast exams can detect cancer early and provide women with better treatment options and results.

In 2012, while planning what should have been one of the most joyful seasons of their life, Maureen Anderson was diagnosed with breast cancer. In an instant, the future she had envisioned was completely rewritten. While many of her peers were celebrating weddings, enjoying honeymoons, and beginning families, her life became consumed by surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and ultimately a hysterectomy. Milestones that many women naturally expect, including the opportunity to have children, were taken from her far too soon.

Read more: Guzmán effort to expand mammogram access to all ages passes Senate