CHICAGO — On Wednesday night, two Israeli Embassy aides were fatally shot in Washington, D.C. In response, State Senator Robert Peters released the following statement:

“Last night’s murder of Israeli Embassy staff outside the Capital Jewish Museum was a horrifying act of antisemitic terror. My deepest condolences are with victims’ loved ones and the American Jewish Committee community.

“Antisemitism is vile and dangerous. We must fight it wherever it festers.”

SPRINGFIELD — Seeking to reinforce the supportive role of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Robert Peters advanced legislation aiming to remove the agency’s authority to operate its own law enforcement agency.

“DCFS should be a source of help for families in need, not a force of intimidation,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This bill would create a necessary boundary to ensure families in crisis are met with care, not criminalization.”

Peters’ measure would remove the department’s statutory authority to appoint personnel to act as peace officers in counties with more than 500,000 people. Instead, it would reaffirm that any law enforcement needs involving DCFS would be handled by local or state police.

SPRINGFIELD — A measure from State Senator Robert Peters that would ensure the state maintains strong protections for wage standards, coal mine safety and occupational health, even if federal laws are weakened or repealed, is one step closer to becoming law.

“Illinois workers shouldn’t have to fear that their rights will disappear with the next change in Washington,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This bill ensures no matter what happens at the federal level, Illinois will remain firm in protecting its workers.”

The measure would prevent the Illinois Department of Labor and Department of Natural Resources from adopting any rules less protective than those in effect under federal law as of April 28, 2025. Peters’ bill would also require IDOL to restore any repealed federal occupational safety rules not already covered under state law and would allow legal actions against employers who violate them.

SPRINGFIELD — On Wednesday, the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee held a subject matter hearing for two measures sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters aimed at delivering community-driven responses to youth violence and trauma by investing nearly $10 million in programs that use sports and healing-centered support to reach Illinois’ most vulnerable communities. 

“We know sport is more than a game – it’s a life-changing tool that keeps young people safe, connected and on a positive path,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 64 would ensure we’re investing in proven strategies that uplift youth and prevent violence where it’s needed most.”

Senate Bill 64 would distribute $5.5 million to the Illinois Department of Human Services for a grant to Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, an organization supporting more than 300 programs in over 40 countries and territories – each using the power of sport to support young people from underserved communities. Through the grant, Laureus would continue to oversee a statewide grant program supporting organizations in low-density residential neighborhoods that leverage sport as a tool for youth development and violence prevention.