SPRINGFIELD — After the Illinois State Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget on Saturday, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“At a time when uncertainty at the federal level threatens the well-being of our most vulnerable residents, we in Illinois are choosing to lead with compassion and purpose. This budget prioritizes those most in need by preserving critical human services, increasing access to health care and investing in communities that have long been left behind.

“Equitable access to health care remains a fundamental need, especially for those facing systemic barriers. This budget increases support for services that help keep people healthy and safe – from investments in mental health to delivering vital care in underserved areas of Illinois by bringing total state support for Federally Qualified Health Centers to $40 million.

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure equal justice for all, State Senator Robert Peters advanced legislation that would create the Office of the State Public Defender, an independent office under the state’s Judicial Branch – marking one of the most substantial reforms of Illinois’ public defense system since 1949.

“Every Illinoisan deserves a strong defense, no matter their income,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Instating this new system would ensure real help reaches people who have been left behind in conversations about criminal justice reform for far too long.”

A state public defender is a government-employed lawyer who provides legal representation to individuals accused or convicted of crimes who cannot afford to hire their own attorney. Public defender offices are one of three methods through which states and localities ensure defendants are granted the Sixth and 14^th Amendments right to counsel.

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois survivors of abuse and assault are closer to obtaining a fairer justice system, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters.

“Survivors of abuse have already endured unimaginable trauma,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Our justice system should never add to their suffering by silencing them or leaving them behind.”  

Peters’ bill defends victims of domestic abuse, reinforcing their right to be heard. Under the measure, law enforcement would be prohibited from discouraging or attempting to discourage a victim of abuse, neglect, exploitation or sexual assault from filing a police report – holding police accountable and allowing victims to seek justice without fear of being silenced.

SPRINGFIELD — To improve public trust in law enforcement and tackle low homicide clearance rates, State Senator Robert Peters advanced an initiative that would require regular, transparent reporting on the progress of violent crime investigations. 

“Communities deserve to know how violent crimes are being handled,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “House Bill 1710 is how we close the gap between justice promised and justice delivered and build accountability.”  

Under the measure, the Illinois State Police would provide a report offering detailed data on homicides and aggravated assaults involving firearms to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority by Sept. 1, 2026, and every four months after. These reports would track key metrics such as arrest numbers, cases referred for prosecution and the reasons why cases remain unsolved, providing a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement.