Welcome to Senator Robert Peters' legislative website

Peters advises eligible residents to apply for energy bill assistance

CHICAGO – As energy costs rise and cold temperatures approach, State Senator Robert Peters encourages residents in the 13th District to apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

“For families already balancing groceries, housing and other expenses, a higher energy bill can add a greater layer of financial stress,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “LIHEAP helps provide security to Illinois families who need additional support with their energy bills to ensure they have the basic needs to be comfortable in their homes, especially as we near the colder months.”  

The LIHEAP program – which opens Oct. 1 – utilizes a priority application system to ensure that families most in need can apply first. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with the eligible income thresholds can be found here.

In addition to LIHEAP, Illinois offers a number of other programs to support eligible low-income families with utility assistance. These programs include:

• One-Time Direct Vendor Payment: All LIHEAP recipients receive a one-time payment.
• Crisis/Reconnection Assistance: Funding is available for families in heating-related emergency situations.
• Furnace Assistance: Based on funding availability, Furnace Assistance may be provided to homeowners who do not have an operating furnace for their residence.
• Home Weatherization Program: The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps low-income residents and households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs by making their homes and apartments more energy efficient.

People can learn more and apply for these programs on the DCEO Website.

Peters encourages local organizations to apply for pre-apprenticeship funding

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.

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Peters announces disaster assistance in response to summer storms

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters is sharing disaster assistance for those affected by the summer storms. Families and businesses in Cook County may be eligible for recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as waived tax penalties and interest.

“The people I represent in Chicago, especially on the South Side, faced some of the strongest storms our state has ever seen this summer, leading to widespread damage and power outages that families and business owners are still trying to recover from,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “I encourage all residents in the 13th District to apply for the disaster loans and tax relief they need so our communities can begin to recover and shift their focus to rebuilding.”

Residents seeking a waiver of penalties and interest for taxes should send a brief written explanation to the Illinois Department of Revenue regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. They should provide their full name, account number (if using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.

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Peters announces adult literacy grant coming to 13th District

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.

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