Peters encourages community groups to apply for new round of anti-violence funding

Chicago - A second round of anti-violence funding to empower community groups to develop evidence-based strategies to combat firearm violence is now available thanks to the efforts of Senator Robert Peters.

“Today, communities are a step closer to addressing the problem of firearm violence with this round of funding now available to community groups,” said Peters (D- Chicago). “I encourage all eligible organizations to apply, get GATA-certified so we can work hand-in-hand with affected communities, intervening with at-risk youth, supporting survivors and working from a grass roots level. We want every single community to get the public safety everyone deserves.”  

The funds are available as a result of last year’s passage of the Reimagine Public Safety Act, spearheaded by Peters. The law created violence prevention grants for research-backed services like summer and after-school programming, job training and placement, high-risk youth intervention services, violence interruption, case management, trauma-informed mental health care supported by Medicaid and more.

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Peters: Budget promotes public safety and equity

Springfield - State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate vote on the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and tax relief plan:

“This budget ensures that there is equity in how Illinois spends its money and that everyone in our state, regardless of ZIP code, is given the opportunity for health, housing and public safety. We are investing in true public safety for all by investing in our communities and empowering ordinary citizens.” 

“Despite the devastating effects of the pandemic on our economy, we are providing $1.8 billion in tax relief for working families and our state is in its brightest fiscal outlook in decades.” 

“I am pleased that we are investing an additional $200 million on top of the Governor’s proposed budget to support public safety measures and strengthen investments in violence prevention programs that keep our communities safe. We’re working toward achieving real safety and justice for all, and I feel that we are marching toward a future where no one is left behind.” 

Peters measure to empower crime survivors advances

Springfield - Crime survivors will soon have a new voice in public safety policy making thanks to the efforts of State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“I fundamentally believe that public safety must belong to the people,” Peters said. “This measure will center crime survivors and put them at the center of the conversation without fear of repercussion.”

House Bill 4736, which would help invest in community-centered public safety by  creating a Crime Reduction Task Force to develop and propose ways to reduce crime across the state. The Crime Reduction Task Force would be made up of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, alongside law enforcement, advocates, legal and criminal justice professionals and survivors. The measure would also establish a co-responder pilot program.

 The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority would also establish a grant program open to organizations and units of local government to assist in the creation of anonymous tip hotlines or other systems to crime victims and witnesses. Additionally, this measure makes improvements to the state’s existing witness protection, which requires the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to create a program to assist victims and witnesses who are actively aiding in the prosecution of perpetrators of certain crimes.

“Everyone in every zip code should feel comfortable being able to walk down the street,” Peters said. “No matter where you are, or who you are or where you live you should deserve to feel comfortable and safe. This measure does that by expanding witness protection and by incorporating the voices and needs of stakeholders and survivors.”

The measure passed the Senate on Thursday.

Peters measure to expand access to fentanyl testing clears General Assembly

Springfield - A measure to help medical professionals get more tests into the hands of individuals who battle opioid addiction cleared the General Assembly thanks to State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). 

“This measure will help save lives,” Peters said. “We still have a long way to go, but removing these penalties is a responsible way to address the opioid crisis and to create real public safety for all instead of continuing the misguided policies of the past.” 

House Bill 4556 is designed to expand on a 2019 law, the Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act, which authorized government agencies and non-governmental organizations to create needle and hypodermic syringe exchange programs.  This measure would increase the number of persons and professions in the medical community who would not be penalized for possessing a limited residual amount of a controlled substance as part of the drug testing process. 

Additionally, the supplies would be required to be stored at a medical office with limited access and would be available to designated workers such as an advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant.  

“We need to ensure that all communities in our state are protected and that they know what is going into their body,” Peters said, “I’m glad that the General Assembly is taking this important step to make sure that people will not be left to the wolves of the fentanyl overdose crisis.” 

The measure passed the Senate on Thursday.