SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate passed a sweeping criminal justice reform package Sunday as part of a larger plan authored by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to rid Illinois of systemic racism. The package included the elimination of cash bail, an issue for which State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) has been fighting for years.

“For too long, people in this state have spent time in jail only because they could not afford to pay their bail,” said Peters, who was recently elected Chair of the Senate Black Caucus. “The end of that practice is near. I’m thrilled that ending cash bail was part of the package we passed today, and I look forward to similar action from the House.”

Read more: Peters celebrates ending cash bail as criminal justice package moves to House

CHICAGO – At a meeting of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus earlier this week, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) was unanimously elected by his colleagues as the new caucus chair.

“I am honored and humbled to have been elected by my colleagues as the new chair of the Senate Black Caucus, and I want to thank them for trusting me with this important position,” Peters said. “The list of issues facing Black communities in our state is long and relentless, and I am excited to lead our caucus as we fight to win real safety and justice.”

Peters takes over as chair following a tumultuous summer, during which the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others by police sparked a nationwide movement of protests against police brutality and systemic racism.

Read more: Peters outlines goals as new Senate Black Caucus Chair

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) congratulated several museums in the 13th Senate District on receiving grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources earlier this week, part of a push to ensure these important local resources stay afloat during the ongoing pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put an economic strain on a lot of us, and museums are no exception,” Peters said. “These institutions are some of the most important cultural and educational centers of community, and it’s great to hear they’ll be getting funding that will ease a financial burden and allow them to make some improvements.”

Read more: Peters congratulates local museums for project grants

CHICAGO – With the enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act marketplace open now until Dec. 15, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is encouraging Illinois residents to apply and stressing the importance of health insurance during these unprecedented times.

“We are currently in the middle of a global health pandemic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which means that quality health care is more important now than ever,” Peters said. “The Affordable Care Act will allow Illinois residents who are underinsured or uninsured to receive the health care they need to survive a public health crisis, and I encourage everyone who requires it to apply.”

Read more: Peters: ACA open enrollment more important now than ever