SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s annual budget and state of the state address, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to see Governor Pritzker has shown great tenacity towards addressing the public safety concerns of our underserved communities through increased investments in violent prevention programs and strengthening families through better healthcare initiatives. In order to bring structure and stability to Illinois we must propose an overall inclusive and rational budget that address health care disparities and unfair insurance industry practices – which often target low to median income families and already under-funded communities.

“I agree with the governor that investments in public safety and our economic development should be top priorities to keep our communities safe and continue economic equity expansion across Illinois. We must be committed to funding programs that bring more financial security, safety and justice to our communities.

“The governor’s budget proposes transformative investments to fight poverty and prevent homelessness with $200 million funds allocated to the Restore, Reinvest, Renew program and $30 million to Reimagine Public Safety. Further, it offers opportunities for communities impacted by a broken criminal justice system through data driven intervention programs, street outreach and re-entry programs.

“In the next few months, I look forward to working with the governor and my fellow lawmakers to negotiate a budget that increases Illinois’ stability and provides much-needed services to the people who rely on them the most.”

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters is spreading Valentine’s Day compassion by encouraging residents to send cards to seniors in the community.

“If you are able, please consider donating or making a handmade card,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “People of all ages are encouraged to participate. It only takes a few minutes to help brighten a senior’s day.”

Cards can be delivered in person via the mail slot at Peters’ Chicago office or mailed to 1304 E. 47th St., Suite 205, Chicago, IL 60653. Valentine’s Day cards will be collected through Monday, Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to senior housing facilities in the city.

For questions, people can contact Peters’ office at 773-363-1996.

SPRINGFIELD – Financial penalties for civil rights violations will increase starting Jan. 1 under the new Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act that State Senator Robert Peters championed.

“In previous court rulings, Illinois has been prevented from intervening in discriminatory damages and relief – this measure eliminates the red tape,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We can’t put a price on mending the emotional trauma endured as a result of discrimination but we can ensure we provide substantial support to enable those suffering a firm financial footing on their restorative journey.”

This act was created in response to the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Cummings v. Premier Rehab Keller, P.L.L.C. that ruled emotional distress damages are not recoverable in a private action under the anti-discrimination provisions of either the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Peters’ new law allows state claims for violations of federal civil rights laws to be heard in any court with jurisdiction. The measure also allows Illinois courts to award no less than $4,000 in damages or other relief for violations, including damages for past, current and future monetary losses, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and other non-monetary losses.

“The Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act restores the rights first won 50 years ago for people with disabilities within Illinois,” said Senior Attorney Charles Petrof of Access Living. “The passage of this act demonstrates that Illinois is committed to honoring and continuing the legacy of the disability rights movement.”

House Bill 2248 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the Illinois Supreme Court decision in The People of the State of Illinois v. Kelan W., State Senator Robert Peters’ new law changing the definition of a delinquent minor takes effect on Jan. 1.

“Illinois has worked hard to become a leader in clear and equitable measures to protect vulnerable communities, especially our youth,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “I am proud to help build on that reputation with this law by preventing an overreach of an outside state and put a stop to undue prosecution of minors in Illinois.”

Signed by Governor JB Pritzker on June 9, 2023, Peters lead the passage of House Bill 2223 through the Senate. This new law prevents a minor from being subject to Illinois court proceedings for behavior deemed unlawful by another state’s laws despite the action being legal in Illinois.

In The People of the State of Illinois v. Kelan W., a 16-year-old boy stole a vehicle in Missouri and used it to drive to Illinois, where Kelan resides. The Illinois court system petitioned to charge Kelan as a delinquent minor based on the carjacking taking place in Missouri and under Illinois laws against unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle. The Illinois Supreme Court allowed Kelan to be tried for violating both states’ laws.

Under Peters’ law, a minor will only be subject to Illinois delinquency proceedings for violations of Illinois law committed in Illinois.

“We must remain proactive in reforming policies that threaten Illinois’ ability to handle our own court proceedings,” said Peters. “Implementing clear and equitable measures helps prevent our most vulnerable youth from the possibility of being disproportionately impacted by the justice system.”

House Bill 2223 takes effect Jan. 1.