CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 21 state budget into law Wednesday:

“When we passed the budget, we included funding for many important services for those who are struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. At the time, we didn’t know that we were only a few weeks away from widespread protests against systemic inequality and a global fight for justice. While this budget doesn’t directly address any of the issues that demonstrators are protesting against, it does provide support to the vulnerable people that many are marching in support of. It boosts funding for mental health and substance abuse programs and provides nearly $400 million in rent and mortgage payment relief, as well as offering many other different types of assistance to the families that need it the most.”

SPRINGFIELD – On its final day of a special session to address COVID-19 concerns, the Illinois Senate passed a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), who supported the budget, issued the following statement:

“This has been one of the most trying few months in most of our lives, and there are folks in my community and all across the state who have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Working class families are struggling. This budget provides much needed services, support and relief to the families that need it, and I’ll always support budgets that do this.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) supported a plan expanding the state’s vote-by-mail program that moved through the Illinois Senate on Friday.

“In this time of crisis, it’s important that we not only look to preserve people’s health, but also their right to participate in the democratic process,” Peters said. “People deserve to cast votes without having to worry about getting sick, and expanding vote-by-mail provisions accomplishes that.”

Read more: Peters celebrates expansion of vote-by-mail program

SPRINGFIELD – The month of April has been designated as Fair Housing Month this year. In recognition, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is encouraging people seek help from the many housing resources that are available.

“In general, lack of proper housing is a serious, life-threatening issue that many people in our community face every day,” Peters said. “It’s even worse now that we’re in the midst of a global pandemic and have recommendations from health agencies all across the state, country and world that the safest course of action is to stay inside your homes. Lots of folks don’t have homes they can isolate in, but there are resources available to help people.”

Read more: Peters touts Fair Housing Month, details resources available