SPRINGFIELD – After the Illinois Senate voted on a historic measure to transition Chicago Public Schools to an elected school board, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“The legislation we passed today is a testament to the hard work done by grassroots organizations made up of parents, students, teachers and communities members, who have spent over a decade fighting for what is best for their communities.

“While I would have preferred a fully elected school board to be implemented immediately, this gradual transition is a step in the right direction. I look forward to the day when the school board truly represents the interests of the people it serves.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate voted to send the Fiscal Year 2022 budget to the governor:

“Over the past year, I’ve fought for many institutional changes that help combat systemic racism that holds Black and Brown folks down. This budget ensures that there is equity in how Illinois spends its money and that everyone in our state, regardless of ZIP code, is given the opportunity to live their best life.

Read more: Peters: Budget promotes equity and stability

Legislation requires IDOC to provide information to soon-to-be-released incarcerated people

SPRINGFIELD – This Monday, the Illinois Senate approved a measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) that would provide information to returning citizens from state prisons in an effort to reduce recidivism rates.

“One of the major contributors to recidivism rates is continued instability after an incarcerated person is released,” Peters said. “If these folks are denied the right to live their best lives, they may face challenges that risk further destabilization. Reentering citizens need not just proper services and support, but information on how they can go about obtaining them.”

Read more: Peters’ recidivism reduction measure clears Senate

SPRINGFIELD – A State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago)-sponsored proposal to stop the use of deceptive interrogation practices on children has been approved by the Illinois General Assembly.

“When a kid is in a stuffy interrogation room being grilled by adults, they’re scared and are more likely to say whatever it is they think the officer wants to hear to get themselves out of that situation, regardless of the truth,” Peters said. “Police officers too often exploit this situation in an effort to elicit false information and statements from minors in order to help them with a case. Real safety and justice can never be realized if we allow this practice to continue.”

Read more: General Assembly approves Peters’ ban on deceptive practices against minors