CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Human Services announced Monday that Illinois households who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will begin receiving the maximum benefits by the end of this week. State Senator Robert Peters, who has sponsored legislation dealing with SNAP benefits in the past, welcomed the announcement.

“People who receive SNAP benefits already have difficulty getting the food they need to feed their families,” Peters said. “The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a high demand for food and instances of unethical price gouging, which makes an already difficult task even harder for these families. Increasing the benefits will help ensure that no one goes hungry in a time of crisis.”

Read more: Peters pleased with increase in SNAP benefits

As a result of social distancing guidelines laid out by top health professionals, many area stores have announced special senior-only hours that will give seniors the chance to shop in a less dangerous environment. State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) stressed the importance of providing this opportunity to a potentially vulnerable portion of the population.

“Since seniors are at the greatest risk of not only contracting the coronavirus, but experiencing the worst of its symptoms, it’s important to provide them with a situation in which they can shop for the groceries and supplies they need with a lower chance of being exposed to the virus,” Peters said.

See below for a list of stores in the 13^th District that have announced senior-only hours. Many of these stores also extend these hours to those with compromised immune systems, though this varies, as does the age defined as “senior.” For more information or to find a location near you, visit the specific store’s website by clicking on its name.

Costco: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Dollar General: Every day, for the first hour the store is open
Food 4 Less: Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Jewel-Osco: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Mariano’s: Every day, from 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Target: Wednesdays, for the first hour the store is open
Trader Joe’s: Mondays, from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Walgreens: Tuesdays, from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Whole Foods: Every day, for one hour prior to the store’s scheduled opening time

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) advanced legislation that would expand peer-led civics education to juvenile detention centers.

“When young people are released from incarceration, we need to let them know about their restored voting rights and that we value their civic participation,” Peters said. “Our justice system needs to be rehabilitative and teach people how to be responsible citizens, and that includes how to exercise their voices in our democracy.”

Senator Peters passed the Re-Entering Citizens Civics Education Act last year, which requires the Department of Corrections to provide peer-led civics education courses to incarcerated people who will be released within 12 months. His new bill will expand those courses to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

“Whether a child is in our juvenile justice system or our public school system, they deserve to learn about their civic rights and duties,” Peters said.

This measure also clarifies that the civics courses must include 270 minutes of instruction taught by two co-facilitators. The co-facilitators must be trained by nonpartisan civil organizations.

Senate Bill 3241 passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee and awaits consideration before the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) advanced a bill that would help youth in foster care apply for college financial aid.

“The state needs to be proactive at helping foster kids build a strong future during their final years of care,” Peters said. “We need to do all we can to ensure that they have access to education or job training before they have to live on their own.”

Senator Peters’ measure requires the Department of Child and Family Services to assist all youth in their care with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during their final year of high school. The legislation is an initiative of the National Association of Social Workers.

In addition, Senator Peters pledges to support legislation that would make college more accessible to Illinois students.

“Education should lead people to prosperity, not inescapable debt to student loan sharks,” Peters said. “We should not be punishing people with fines and fees for wanting to expand their education and contribute more to society.”

Senate Bill 3718 awaits consideration before the Senate Human Services Committee.