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.

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.”

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.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois could soon be the ninth state to guarantee students daily playtime after a measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) cleared the General Assembly Sunday.

“When I was growing up, unstructured playtime was a key part of my development, which is why I believe it should be a guaranteed right for all kids,” Peters said. “Physical activity also helps keep children’s minds sharp, and the exercise they get helps keep them healthy.”