SPRINGFIELD – On Oct. 7, 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered a speech to the Illinois AFL-CIO at the Illinois State Armory. A resolution sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) would place a bronze plaque at this site, commemorating this historic event.

“Dr. King is one of history’s greatest Americans, who worked untold wonders for Black folks in this country,” Peters said. “While he is rightfully most known for his advocacy for civil rights, he also advocated for labor rights, and 55 years ago, in the shadow of the Illinois Capitol, he gave a speech outlining how intertwined the two are. We should commemorate this historic occasion and honor one of the most important figures in the fight for civil and labor rights.”

Read more: Peters resolution would commemorate site of MLK Speech

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) argued the merits of a plan to require the Department of Children and Family Services to assist youth-in-care with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in a virtual meeting of the Senate Health Subcommittee on Children & Family.

“One of the most stressful times for youth-in-care is their senior year in high school, because not only are they close to aging out of the system, but they also have to consider their future plans, including college and how to pay for it,” Peters said. “Providing assistance in applying for financial aid will help ease some of the burden for youth-in-care by giving them one less thing to worry about.”

Read more: Peters wants DCFS to help with financial aid

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker gave his annual budget and state of the state addresses this morning, after which State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“The COVID-19 pandemic requires all of us to shift our priorities. The governor’s proposed budget is not perfect, but considering the circumstances, it can’t be. However, it takes into account the realities of our state’s economic and fiscal situations, and it’s a good place to begin the grueling process of drafting our first full budget after the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

“However, I do wish the proposed budget would have made a greater commitment to funding programs that will work to bring safety and justice in our communities. There is a modest increase proposed, but this past year showed us that much more is needed.

“I know we have a lot of work in store for us over the next few months. This may be the most difficult and unique budget in Illinois history, and I know that when it is all said and done, it will be a budget that works for all Illinoisans and that it will go a long way toward making everyone in this state whole.”

CHICAGO – On Tuesday afternoon, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) chaired the first Senate Public Safety Committee Hearing of the 102^nd General Assembly to share updates on public safety and dispel rumors on carjacking in an effort to ease residents’ fears about the increase of crime in the city.

 “With the increase in carjackings around the city, I wanted to make sure that the uprise of cases was discussed so the public could be properly informed,” Peters said. “I also thought it would be best to hear from criminal justice experts on the root causes of crime, so we as legislators can learn the best methods to increase safety in our communities.”

Read more: Public Safety Hearing focuses on root causes of gun violence, improving outcomes