CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement regarding U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s retirement announcement:

“Dick Durbin has served our state and its people with honor and integrity, standing up for what is right above all else. His many accomplishments in Congress have shaped our state and our nation for the better, from fighting for clean air to standing up for immigrant families to delivering major investments in our infrastructure.

“His legacy and leadership are forever etched in Illinois history. I wish him and his family the very best as he completes his term and transitions to a very well-deserved retirement.”

CHICAGO — As Illinois doubles down on efforts to grow a skilled construction workforce, State Senator Robert Peters was pleased to help HIRE360 of Cook County secure $550,000 to prepare local residents for careers in the construction and building trades.

“Strong apprenticeships are the foundation of a strong workforce,” said Peters (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Labor Committee. “This investment will give more Illinoisans the tools they need to start careers in the trades and help meet the demands of a growing industry.”  

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades.

SPRINGFIELD — In a major step toward reforming Illinois’ juvenile justice system, a measure from State Senator Robert Peters aims to raise the minimum age at which minors can be detained from 10 to 12 years old, making it clear the state is moving away from harsh detention practices and prioritizing rehabilitation.

“Our juvenile justice system should focus on rehabilitation over punishment,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By raising the age at which a minor can be detained and emphasizing alternative methods, we’re giving young people a fair chance at reformation without subjecting them to the damaging effects of detention at an early age.”

Under Peters’ measure, arrest would only be used as a last resort and under strict conditions. Minors could only be detained if there is probable cause that they committed a crime and immediate detention is necessary, or if they have repeatedly failed to appear at scheduled hearings.

SPRINGFIELD — On Wednesday, the Senate Revenue Committee held a subject matter hearing on a measure spearheaded by State Senator Robert Peters that would address Illinois’ affordable housing crisis by creating a state-level housing tax credit, unlocking millions in federal funds and driving new private investment in housing development.

“Senate Bill 62 is about building homes, creating jobs and making sure working families across Illinois can afford a place to live,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This is a responsible, proven model that brings everyone to the table – government, private investors and community developers – to deliver the housing our communities urgently need.”

Peters’ measure would establish the Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit, which mirrors the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and helps finance new affordable rental housing. Administered by the Illinois Housing Authority and the Chicago Department of Housing, the credit would be awarded to affordable housing developers who already qualify for the federal LIHTC and are determined to need additional funding to move their projects forward.