Peoria – A measure giving crime survivors a new voice in public safety policy making spearheaded by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) was recently signed into law.

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

The new law will 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 will be made up of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, alongside law enforcement, advocates, legal and criminal justice professionals and survivors of crime.

Under this new law, formerly known as HB 4736, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority will 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. The measure would also establish a co-responder pilot program.

Chicago -The new St. Laurence Arts Incubator in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood will bring greater support to artists and entrepreneurs thanks to the efforts of State Senator Robert Peters.

“This incubator will provide Black and Brown artists and creative entrepreneurs with the space, resources and tools in a community that has long been denied investment in its artistic potential,” said Peters (D - Chicago). “There is so much artistic talent in our community that has been unable to find a space to thrive, and I’m excited to see this project provide that support for artists on the South Side.” 

To date, the St. Laurence Arts Incubator is the newest and largest project from the Rebuild Foundation, which has worked to preserve cultural sites like the Stony Island Arts Bank, the Retreat at Currency Exchange Café, Kenwood Gardens, and the Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative.

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.

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.”