SPRINGFIELD ¬– State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget:

“Earlier this year, Black Caucus members stressed the need for investments combating historical disinvestment and systemic racism. As the Senate chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, I'm proud of our negotiations securing funding for initiatives like the Reimagine Public Safety grant program and after-school and summer youth programs.

“However, I, like many of my Black and brown colleagues, would have liked to see more funding put back into our communities to support these data-proven programs.

“I was pleased to see my focus on fairer systems for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence led to vital funding for support services. I look forward to seeing how these investments will create opportunities for equity and further expand support for our communities most in need.

“In regards to economic equity, we secured funds for tourism spending so that we can continue attracting driving revenue and boosting local economies.”