The state of Illinois is currently accepting applications from homeowners for grants of up to $60,000 to eliminate or reduce past-due mortgage and property tax payments.

To find out if you’re eligible and get prepared visit IllinoisHousingHelp.org.

SPRINGFIELD – To address employment barriers for individuals impacted by the justice system, State Senator Robert Peters passed legislation to help those previously convicted of a felony to seek an occupational license to perform non-gaming related services at a casino.

“The amount of financially realistic employment opportunities for individuals impacted by the justice system are few and far between,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Connecting those with prior justice system involvement with employment by allowing them to perform functions in a casino that do not involve gaming ensures financial stability and decreases the likelihood of backsliding into the justice system.”

Senate Bill 1462 also allows the Illinois Gaming Board to consider an applicant’s criminal record, reputation, associations and activities that could potentially threaten the integrity of the gaming institution.

“Eliminating employment barriers is ultimately a public safety issue,” said Peters. “Non-gaming related services at casinos are good paying union jobs that help individuals impacted by the justice system to effectively take care of their responsibilities, strengthening their families and communities.”

Senate Bill 1462 passed the Senate Wednesday and will now head to the House floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters’ measure to discontinue juvenile court service fees passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Young people impacted by the justice system, particularly low-income youth of color, are negatively impacted by inequitable court fees,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Youth and families impacted by the justice system should not have to worry about how they are going to pay for service fees for things like probation supervision when they are court-ordered.”

Senate Bill 1463 stipulates that courts cannot deny and prosecutors cannot object to sentencing conditions or placement of minors on probation, conditional discharge or supervision based on their inability to pay fees.

The measure requires any judgment to pay assessments prior to the effective date of this legislation to be null, void and not collectible. Additionally, if community service is ordered by the court, it must not interfere with school hours.

“Guaranteeing time outside of school hours to complete mandated community service solidifies that education is a top priority for youth,” said Peters. “Setting the example for our youth in valuing education transforms the current justice system into a system that is equitable for all and cultivates educational improvements in our most vulnerable communities.”

Senate Bill 1463 passed the Senate and heads to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters’ measure to expand on domestic violence laws is on its way to the House.

“Unclear language in current domestic violence laws are undermining victims instead of progressing social justice,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Reexamining current domestic violence laws and improving protections for survivors of gender-based violence will undoubtedly root out loopholes that delay due process for survivors.”

Senate Bill 2260 builds on current domestic violence laws that created procedures to request resentencing for incarcerated survivors of domestic violence. Ambiguity in the language of current statutes has caused inconsistent interpretations and outcomes for survivors.

Peters’ measure seeks to clarify ambiguities and expand covered individuals by simplifying language and expanding relief from judgement to cover victims of gender-based violence in addition to victims of domestic violence.

“Survivors of trafficking and gender-based violence have already dealt with unimaginable trauma,” said Peters. “This measure seeks to uplift survivors with the tools needed to heal from physical, psychological and financial hardship.”

Senate Bill 2260 passed the Senate and will now head to the House for further consideration.