Press Releases

CHICAGO — To expand the 13th District's talent pipeline and boost diversity in Illinois’ construction and building trades, State Senator Robert Peters is encouraging local community-based organizations to apply for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. 

“I have been proud to be a steadfast advocate for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program since its inception, recognizing its importance for driving training and employment equity for minority groups in Illinois, and especially the Chicagoland area,” said Peters (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Labor Committee. “By ensuring we’re prioritizing diversity in the construction industry and building trades, we are solidifying our state as one of the best for fostering long-term career success.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with the goal of increasing access to apprenticeship programs to a more diverse pool of candidates. These comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide graduates a greater opportunity to start a long-term career in the trades. Since the program’s inception, Illinois Works has awarded over $70 million to community-based organizations serving over 7,000 Illinois residents.

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters is proud to announce a local organization in the 13th District will receive $60,000 to support adult literacy improvement efforts in Illinois.

“Literacy is the foundation to a safe and healthy life, acting as a skill that directly improves the livelihood of the working class and helps pull people out of poverty,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We have an obligation to ensure residents can hone these skills and make a better life for themselves and their families, and these grants are essential for improving program accessibility for all Illinoisans in need.” 

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters spearheaded a law that will allow for quicker and more accurate screenings of mental health crises during emergency calls, ensuring those in need receive dedicated trauma-informed care. 

“By allowing specialized response teams to intervene in delicate situations, the state will be taking a more direct response to community safety,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This is about reducing trauma during mental health crises and ensuring those in need are met with informed, empathetic care.”

Peters’ law will ensure Public Safety Answering Points are in compliance with the Community Emergency Services and Support Act – which connects 911 callers with behavioral health crisis care when appropriate. PSAPs are 24/7 call centers, often operated by local government or law enforcement, designed to receive 911 calls and route them to the appropriate emergency services – serving as a primary first-point-of-reception for emergency calls.

SPRINGFIELD — To address safety gaps and prioritize continuous protection for victims in Illinois’ justice system, State Senator Robert Peters led a law to secure petitioning eligibility for protective orders during criminal proceedings.

“All victims of violence deserve to feel protected in our state’s justice system, and they especially deserve to feel free from further harassment or abuse, which is exactly what this law ensures,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “It is incredibly rare for victims to seek justice through legal avenues, so we must make sure that when victims come forward, we’re prioritizing their dignity and safety.”

Peters’ law builds on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, which prohibits orders of protection from being denied solely based on the incarceration status of either the petitioner or the respondent, ensuring the logistical timing of incarceration does not outweigh victims’ access to legal protections.