CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters will host a press conference Saturday in support of House Bill 4339 – the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act – in collaboration with State Representative Kimberly Neely DuBuclet, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Coalition on Saturday at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters in Chicago. 

The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act would expand access to civic participation by ensuring eligible young people are meaningfully presented with the opportunity to register to vote through trusted educational settings. The legislation is focused on strengthening democracy by removing unnecessary barriers to participation, and, by meeting students where they are, would help establish lifelong civic habits and ensure the next generation is fully prepared to participate in shaping our shared future.

WHO: State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), State Representative Kimberly Neely DuBuclet (D-Chicago), Rainbow PUSH Coalition President and CEO Yusef Jackson, Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Coalition Chairperson Dr. Jo Ann Roberts, PhD., coalition advocates and community leaders.

WHAT: Press conference in support of a measure to empower young people to meaningfully participate in democracy.

WHEN: Saturday, April 18 at 11:15 a.m.

WHERE: Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters, 930 E. 50th St., Chicago

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters outlined a plan he’s spearheading that would ban companies from collecting personal data from Illinois consumers for the purpose of price discrimination during a subject matter hearing Wednesday.

“The Surveillance-Based Price Discrimination Act is commonsense legislation that would protect all of our state’s consumers from price gouging and data privacy threats,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Our residents have already endured years of inflation, and now we are facing an affordability crisis while some of the biggest corporations rake in record profits. We cannot sit back and watch the unjust targeting of the finances, privacy and equality of Illinoisans.”

Surveillance pricing includes the use of personal information such as browsing history or behavioral patterns, and companies typically collect and analyze the data using AI and algorithms to charge personal prices for customers. Peters’ measure , Senate Bill 2255, aims to limit the use of surveillance data in the state, preventing companies from prioritizing maximum profits at the expense of individuals’ privacy and dignity.

SPRINGFIELD — To address safety gaps and prioritize continuous protection for victims in Illinois’ justice system, State Senator Robert Peters advanced a measure to secure petitioning eligibility for restraining orders during criminal proceedings.

“Victims of abuse deserve to feel safe, dignified and protected from their abusers through every step of the formal legal process,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By allowing victims to petition for an order of protection during criminal proceedings, we can minimize victims’ trauma and stress by providing immediate safety from further harm or harassment.”

Peters’ measure would build on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, which currently prohibits orders of protection from being denied solely based on the incarceration status of either the petitioner or the respondent, ensuring the logistical timing of incarceration does not outweigh victims’ access to legal protections.

SPRINGFIELD — After Governor JB Pritzker delivered the State of the State address, including his Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal, on Wednesday, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Across the nation, we’re seeing attempts from the Trump administration to stall federal funding for critical services and essential infrastructure, including emergency grants, transportation aid, investments in safety-net hospitals and more.

“At a time when federal uncertainty is causing us to navigate funding in new and practical ways, affordability must be at the forefront for Illinois’ residents. As our neighbors face fears regarding the rising cost of living, I remain committed to advocating for investments that prioritize the stability of our state’s workers, families and students – from heightening labor protections to fully-equipping after-school and violence prevention programs.”