Chicago – More communities are a step closer to addressing the problem of firearm violence related crimes after State Senator Robert Peters’ (D-Chicago) measure to bring gun violence prevention training and services to more areas was signed into law.

“The recent rise in gun violence will not be addressed until we change the policies that disproportionately have a negative impact on Black and Brown communities,” Peters said. “Soon, we will be able to work hand-in-hand with affected communities, intervening with at risk youth, supporting survivors and working from the bottom-up rather than the top-down. People in Illinois deserve public safety for all, not theater.”

The new law will expand upon the Reimagine Public Safety Act to increase the number of communities that can receive grant money for gun violence prevention, based on population size. The law will also allow for five more communities to be eligible statewide and would allow organizations to apply directly for training and technical assistance from contractors.

Peters championed the Reimagine Public Safety Act to address gun violence in Illinois by working with the communities most affected. The act was originally signed into law in June 2021 and created the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention to issue grants and provide support to violence prevention organizations in communities affected by gun violence. The measure signed today expands upon the act.

“Many Illinois communities have been impacted by an increase in gun violence,” Peters said. “True public safety belongs to the people, and it demands that we address the underlying causes of violence at the grassroots level.”

House Bill 2791 was signed today and takes immediate effect.  

SPRINGFIELD – More communities would be able to address the problem of gun violence under State Senator Robert Peters’ (D-Chicago) measure to expand the number of communities that are eligible for gun violence prevention grant money and to make it easier to receive technical and training services under the Reimagine Public Safety Act.

“We should address the problem of gun violence in Illinois by supporting affected communities directly, not punish them,” Peters said. “True public safety belongs to the people, and it demands that we address the underlying causes of violence at the grassroots level.”

Read more: Senate approves Peters’ expansion to Reimagine Public Safety Act

CHICAGO – With the second round of Back to Business grants currently accepting applications, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is pleased to announce nearly $1 million in grants awarded to businesses in the area he represents.

“The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most difficult times in recent memory, and a lot of small businesses have been struggling to keep the lights on and the doors open,” Peters said. “The people of our community rely on so many of these businesses for their everyday needs, and I’m glad to see them get the support they need through these grants.”

Read more: Peters announces local Back to Business grants, encourages more to apply

Responds to Senate Republican law enforcement package

CHICAGO – In response to a Senate Republican press conference unveiling their agenda for combating violence and calling for $100 million for law enforcement agencies, State Senator Robert Peter (D-Chicago), Senate Black Caucus Chairman, issued the following statement:

“Make no mistake, we support expanding public safety for all and not just a few because it is our communities, our friends, and our loved ones who are often traumatized, but the answer doesn’t just come in the decades long status quo policies of more prison sentences. It comes in community investment and alternatives that for too long have simply not existed.”

“That’s the corner that we began to turn with the social justice reform initiatives in the Black Caucus Pillars and we welcome more of our colleagues in the Senate to this debate as we work to put an end to the violence in our communities and across this state.”