SPRINGFIELD – The Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice’s master record file will now contain essential demographic information, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters.

“Important demographic markers such as a person’s address before incarceration will help us gain a better understanding of ways to ensure the long term success of people with justice system involvement,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “An accurate record of the last known addresses of those with justice system involvement will support the No Representation Without Population Act in ending prison gerrymandering.”

According to the redistricting hub, prison gerrymandering is the practice of altering democratic representation by counting individuals with justice system involvement at the correctional facility instead of their last known place of residence before incarceration. The No Representation Without Population Act requires incarcerated individuals be counted at their home address for redistricting purposes.

In addition to ensuring the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice’s master record file contain demographic information, the legislation requires the clerk of court transmit demographic information to both departments from sentencing court.

“Everyone, regardless of their background, has a right to be fairly represented,” Peters said. “This new law strengthens the policies we have in place to end prison gerrymandering.”

House Bill 1496 was signed into law Friday.

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget into law Wednesday: 

“When we talk about public safety, we can’t leave poverty out of the conversation. This budget provides direct resources to fight poverty, revitalize economic development and improve education in Illinois—all of the elements needed to prioritize public safety and create a safer state.”

“I am excited to witness the progress we will make with the $200 million investment for another round of grants for the Reimagine Public Safety Act and the $20 million investment in a new Illinois Grocery Initiative to expand grocery access to underserved rural towns and urban neighborhoods.”

“I also applaud the $40 million for forgivable loans to launch more social equity cannabis businesses as well as the largest higher education funding increase in two decades. This budget uplifts all Illinoisans, with special attention to our most vulnerable communities.”

The Governor signed the budget into law Wednesday.

Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus applauded the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget agreement on Thursday.

“Earlier this year we set out a goal to pass a balanced budget that uplifts all Illinoisans with particular concern for low-income and working families. I commend my fellow legislators for advancing a budget that uplifts all communities instead of pitting needs against one another,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “I am proud to stand behind a budget that uplifts public safety by investing $200 million for another round of grants for the Reimagine Public Safety Act.”

In addition to investments in the Reimagine Public Safety Act, the Black Caucus applauded educational investments included in the budget, including $350 million toward K-12 education and record funding for need-based financial aid to ensure students can afford college.

“A person’s educational success begins the day they are born. The quickest way to fail a generation is by failing to prioritize their education,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “In Illinois, I am proud to say we took a positive step toward ensuring our students aren’t failed by an unjust system.”

The FY 24 budget builds upon the responsible spending decisions and balanced budgets passed by the General Assembly over the last five years, prioritizing education, workforce development and more.

“I am proud of the important steps this budget takes to continue the work we have done to put Illinois on sound fiscal footing,” said Senate Appropriations Chair Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “The budget takes positive steps toward investing in disenfranchised communities, addressing the root causes of violence and funding vital services. I am proud of our commitment to fight for a budget that puts families and communities first, addresses historical disinvestments and builds stronger generations for years to come, all while being good for Illinois taxpayers.”

The budget heads to the governor for final approval.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to the state budget passing the Senate: 

“Funneling resources into programs that meet the urgent needs of our communities symbolizes Illinois’ commitment to building a future for all people, regardless of their ZIP code. I’m glad to see continued investments in housing, such as $350 million toward the HOME Illinois program to combat and prevent homelessness through supportive housing, rental assistance and workforce development opportunities. The continued investments in the Reimagine Public Safety Act and public safety measures outlined in this budget will create a safer state for all Illinoisans.”

“There have been many conversations about young people and creating safe spaces for them to thrive. Investing resources into youth employment opportunities is an example of appropriate structural change needed instead of surface-level conversations that offer no solutions. The additional investments in youth employment will boost the next generation and support working families.”