CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Human Services announced Monday that Illinois households who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will begin receiving the maximum benefits by the end of this week. State Senator Robert Peters, who has sponsored legislation dealing with SNAP benefits in the past, welcomed the announcement.

“People who receive SNAP benefits already have difficulty getting the food they need to feed their families,” Peters said. “The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a high demand for food and instances of unethical price gouging, which makes an already difficult task even harder for these families. Increasing the benefits will help ensure that no one goes hungry in a time of crisis.”

Como resultado de la política de distanciamiento social estipulada por profesionales de la salud, muchas tiendas del área han anunciado horarios de atención especial para las personas de la tercera edad para que compren en un ambiente más seguro. El senador estatal Robert Peters (D-Chicago) destacó la importancia de otorgar esta oportunidad a un grupo de la población potencialmente vulnerable.

“Dado que las personas de la tercera edad tienen un mayor riesgo no sólo de contraer el coronavirus sino también de padecer los peores síntomas, es importante ofrecerles una situación en la que puedan comprar las cosas que necesitan bajo un riesgo menor de ser expuestos al virus”, dijo Peters.

Vea abajo la lista de tiendas en el Distrito 13 que anunciaron horarios exclusivos para personas de la tercera edad. Muchas tiendas también ampliaron sus horarios para personas inmunocomprometidas, aunque los horarios varían, como varía la edad en que se considera a alguien de la tercera edad. Para más información o encontrar una tienda cercana a usted, visite el sitio de internet de una tienda específica dando clic en el nombre.

Costco: Martes y Jueves de 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Dollar General: Todos los días durante la primera hora de apertura.
Food 4 Less: Martes y Viernes de 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Jewel-Osco: Martes y Jueves de 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Mariano’s: Todos los días de 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Target: Miércoles durante la primera hora de apertura.
Trader Joe’s: Lunes de 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Walgreens: Martes de 8 a.m.- 9 a.m.
Whole Foods: Todos los días una hora antes del horario normal de apertura.

As a result of social distancing guidelines laid out by top health professionals, many area stores have announced special senior-only hours that will give seniors the chance to shop in a less dangerous environment. State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) stressed the importance of providing this opportunity to a potentially vulnerable portion of the population.

“Since seniors are at the greatest risk of not only contracting the coronavirus, but experiencing the worst of its symptoms, it’s important to provide them with a situation in which they can shop for the groceries and supplies they need with a lower chance of being exposed to the virus,” Peters said.

See below for a list of stores in the 13^th District that have announced senior-only hours. Many of these stores also extend these hours to those with compromised immune systems, though this varies, as does the age defined as “senior.” For more information or to find a location near you, visit the specific store’s website by clicking on its name.

Costco: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Dollar General: Every day, for the first hour the store is open
Food 4 Less: Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Jewel-Osco: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Mariano’s: Every day, from 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Target: Wednesdays, for the first hour the store is open
Trader Joe’s: Mondays, from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Walgreens: Tuesdays, from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Whole Foods: Every day, for one hour prior to the store’s scheduled opening time

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) advanced legislation that would expand peer-led civics education to juvenile detention centers.

“When young people are released from incarceration, we need to let them know about their restored voting rights and that we value their civic participation,” Peters said. “Our justice system needs to be rehabilitative and teach people how to be responsible citizens, and that includes how to exercise their voices in our democracy.”

Senator Peters passed the Re-Entering Citizens Civics Education Act last year, which requires the Department of Corrections to provide peer-led civics education courses to incarcerated people who will be released within 12 months. His new bill will expand those courses to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

“Whether a child is in our juvenile justice system or our public school system, they deserve to learn about their civic rights and duties,” Peters said.

This measure also clarifies that the civics courses must include 270 minutes of instruction taught by two co-facilitators. The co-facilitators must be trained by nonpartisan civil organizations.

Senate Bill 3241 passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee and awaits consideration before the full Senate.