Peters releases statement on expected closing of DuSable homeless shelter

CHICAGO — After learning the DuSable homeless shelter located at 4900 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive will soon be closing down operations, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“For months, my office and I have worked diligently to ensure members of our community were heard in their concerns about the DuSable shelter and informed regarding the shelter’s operations.

“On June 20, the Illinois Department of Human Services and officials from the City of Chicago informed me the DuSable shelter will be ceasing operations, with the expected completion to take between three to six months. I have been assured all residents of the shelter will be moved into new facilities.

“Throughout this process, I have been clear in our need for transparent communication that fully engages the community’s voice while also helping homeless families transition into secure housing. Reducing homelessness must be a priority for both the city and the state, and we remain committed to fighting for the dignity and care of our most vulnerable residents.

“As more information becomes available, my office and I are dedicated to keeping community members up-to-date. Individuals can contact my office at 773-363-1996 with questions or for help connecting with resources.” 

Peters praises comprehensive transit bill: Win for working people, Northern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — After the Illinois State Senate advanced House Bill 3438 – a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at strengthening and stabilizing public transit in Northern Illinois through the creation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“The passage of House Bill 3438 is a major win for working people across Northern Illinois. By preventing devastating service cuts and disruptions, it would protect the vital transit options that millions rely on to get to work, school and essential services. At the same time, the bill would lay the foundation for a more stable, rider-focused system that’s safer, more accessible and better coordinated.

Read more …

Peters: This budget prioritizes our most vulnerable residents

SPRINGFIELD — After the Illinois State Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget on Saturday, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“At a time when uncertainty at the federal level threatens the well-being of our most vulnerable residents, we in Illinois are choosing to lead with compassion and purpose. This budget prioritizes those most in need by preserving critical human services, increasing access to health care and investing in communities that have long been left behind.

“Equitable access to health care remains a fundamental need, especially for those facing systemic barriers. This budget increases support for services that help keep people healthy and safe – from investments in mental health to delivering vital care in underserved areas of Illinois by bringing total state support for Federally Qualified Health Centers to $40 million.

Read more …

Peters’ legislation moves to transform Illinois’ public defense system

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure equal justice for all, State Senator Robert Peters advanced legislation that would create the Office of the State Public Defender, an independent office under the state’s Judicial Branch – marking one of the most substantial reforms of Illinois’ public defense system since 1949.

“Every Illinoisan deserves a strong defense, no matter their income,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Instating this new system would ensure real help reaches people who have been left behind in conversations about criminal justice reform for far too long.”

A state public defender is a government-employed lawyer who provides legal representation to individuals accused or convicted of crimes who cannot afford to hire their own attorney. Public defender offices are one of three methods through which states and localities ensure defendants are granted the Sixth and 14^th Amendments right to counsel.

Read more …