Springfield- Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services are one step closer to receiving the financial resources they need to be ready for adulthood thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“The state needs to be proactive at helping youth in care build a strong future during their final years of care,” Peters said. “We need to do all we can to ensure that they have access to a financial head start before they have to live on their own.”

Senate Bill 3470 would require DCFS to save or invest a minimum percentage of a youth's benefits once they reach the age of 14. This will ensure that when DCFS no longer serves as the financial representative of the youth, they will have some money to help them transition into a successful adult life.

The minimum percentages that DCFS will be required to invest are:

• 40% for youth between the ages of 14 and 15
• 80% for youth between the ages of 16 and 17
• 100% for youth between the ages of 18 and 20

Senate Bill 3470 would also require the DCFS to take defined actions when applying for and managing certain federal benefits that the department receives on behalf of any youth in care.

“State services should help empower youth and give them strong support to enter our society,” Peters said. “We should not be sending young people out into the world without the resources they need to live independently, and we must ensure that they are able to make the transition into adult life.”

The measure passed the Senate Judiciary committee on Tuesday.

 Chicago- Following the early release of Jason Van Dyke from prison, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) issued the following statement: 

“I wholeheartedly condemn the early release of former Chicago Police officer Jason Van Dyke. From the brutality of the number of shots that he fired and the clear evidence of the camera recording the incident, Van Dyke was clearly guilty for the murder of Laquan McDonald.”

“There are working class Black and Brown and white rural residents stuck in prison, convicted of offenses with far less evidence and this release does nothing except highlight the tragic and inherent flaws and contradictions of our criminal legal system and the public safety status quo. This is why we must continue to work for change.”

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:

“This budget is at a good place, and considering the circumstances, it reflects a more optimistic outlook than where we were a year ago. The budget proposal certainly takes into account the improved circumstances of our state’s economic and fiscal situations, and it’s a good place to begin the process of drafting our first budget that puts us on the road to economic recovery during this pandemic. It continues the work of cleaning up the mess that we, the Democrats, were left with after the disasters of the previous administration. This is going to show Illinoisans that we are good fiscal stewards, that we’re not only taking care of their money they entrust us with, but also that we are making real investments in uplifting all of our communities across the state-that we are building a state for the many and not the few.”

“I appreciate the governor’s willingness to appropriate $240 million in new money for the Reimagine Public Safety plan and I look forward to continuing to negotiate to fully fund this program to support the intent of this plan going forward.”

“I am also pleased to see that there is $10 million in new appropriations for the law enforcement training fund to pay for the obligation associated with the SAFE-T Act. We are improving public safety, supporting better law enforcement and working to end systemic injustice at the same time.” 

“All of this on top of investments for small businesses, youth in care, and working families shows that we have a pathway towards a budget that works for all Illinoisans and not just a few.”

Chicago – Dozens of local South Side businesses were recently awarded over $2.4 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the support of State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“Businesses across the state have been negatively impacted in the last two years, especially Black and Brown-owned small businesses and in the hospitality industry,” Peters said. “These grants are giving South Side businesses a much needed boost to get back on their feet as we continue to recover.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far – thanks to strong support from Sen. Peters – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

In the district Peters represents, 81  businesses were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $145,000 to help them cover the costs of safely staying open in these unpredictable times. Businesses ranged from barber shops to photography studios and more.

“The B2B program’s focus on hard hit sectors like restaurants, salons, fitness centers and organizations focusing on the arts really make it a nation-leading example of small business recovery,” Peters said. “I am glad to see so many businesses in our community receive this important assistance.”

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program and view a full list of grantees here.