Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD — On Wednesday, the Senate Revenue Committee held a subject matter hearing on a measure spearheaded by State Senator Robert Peters that would address Illinois’ affordable housing crisis by creating a state-level housing tax credit, unlocking millions in federal funds and driving new private investment in housing development.

“Senate Bill 62 is about building homes, creating jobs and making sure working families across Illinois can afford a place to live,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This is a responsible, proven model that brings everyone to the table – government, private investors and community developers – to deliver the housing our communities urgently need.”

Peters’ measure would establish the Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit, which mirrors the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and helps finance new affordable rental housing. Administered by the Illinois Housing Authority and the Chicago Department of Housing, the credit would be awarded to affordable housing developers who already qualify for the federal LIHTC and are determined to need additional funding to move their projects forward.

SPRINGFIELD — Saving for retirement could soon become easier and more flexible for thousands of Illinois workers, thanks to a new plan from State Senator Robert Peters that expands access to portable, customizable savings options. 

“Too many Illinoisans are stuck without good retirement savings options, and that’s a problem we need to fix,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This bill would give workers more control over their financial futures, whether they stay in one job or move between employers.”

In 2015, the state created the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program to address the growing gap in retirement savings for Illinois workers. Nearly 40% of private sector workers in Illinois do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, leaving many with no way to save for the future. Since its inception, the program has helped over 150,000 participants save more than $200 million for retirement, with more than 25,000 employers offering the program to their workers. 

SPRINGFIELD — A new initiative that would revolutionize how Illinois communities heat and cool their homes and businesses – while also cutting costs and creating new job opportunities – is on the horizon, thanks to State Senator Robert Peters.

“Illinois has an opportunity to lead the way in energy innovation while making it possible for working families to see real savings on their utility bills,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This bill invests in our communities, supports good-paying jobs and prioritizes the transition to cost-effective, sustainable heating and cooling solutions.”

Under Peters’ measure, Illinois electric and gas utilities would have to propose up to three pilot thermal energy network projects, with at least one located in an economically disadvantaged community. These networks would deliver non-combustible thermal energy, reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels, and providing more stable and predictable heating and cooling costs for customers.

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois patients and health care workers could soon see a fairer, more effective oversight system for nurse agencies, thanks to a measure led by State Senator Robert Peters. 

“This isn’t just about fairness – it’s about common sense,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This measure will help us focus enforcement where it’s truly needed, making our health care system safer and more effective for everyone.” 

The Nursing Agency Licensing Act sets guidelines to ensure nurse agencies meet certain operational standards and holds them responsible for the actions of the nurses they dispatch to health care facilities. Currently, Illinois law imposes a flat $10,000 fine for every violation of NALA, only targeting licensees or applicants. These guidelines do not account for the severity of the violation, meaning minor mistakes can result in the same financial punishment as more serious issues.

CHICAGO — In October of 2024, Walgreens announced it would close roughly 1,200 locations over the next three years – including 500 closures in fiscal year 2025 alone – causing concern for those who frequent the stores for groceries and prescriptions. In response to learning that three of these closures will happen in their districts, State Senator Robert Peters, State Representative Kam Buckner, State Representative Curtis J. Tarver and Aldermen Lamont Robinson, Desmon Yancy and Peter Chico released the following statement:

“The closures at our South Commercial Avenue, South King Drive and South Jeffrey Boulevard Walgreens locations will be a devastating blow to our communities. Walgreens started in or near our districts in South Side Chicago at Cottage Grove and Bowen Avenue 124 years ago. For years, these stores have supported residents, providing access to medications, groceries and other essential services.

SPRINGFIELD — A measure championed by State Senator Robert Peters aims to shed light on the use of restrictive housing, requiring the Illinois Department of Corrections to collect and publicly share data on how often and why people are placed in solitary confinement.

“Transparency is the foundation of accountability,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By becoming more informed on how restrictive housing is used, we can ensure the system treats individuals fairly and humanely while holding our institutions to the highest standard of oversight.”

“Restrictive housing” is another phrase for solitary confinement – a form of housing that separates an individual in custody from the general population. The bill responds to growing concerns about the lack of publicly available data on solitary confinement practices in state facilities. Recent surveys conducted by the John Howard Association found that 42% of incarcerated individuals reported spending excess time in their cells, often not meeting the daily required minimum of two hours outside their sleeping area.

SPRINGFIELD — To support the preservation of Promontory Point, a historic landmark in Burnham Park, State Senator Robert Peters passed a resolution which aims to restore and protect the Point’s historic limestone retaining wall while ensuring public access and ecological sustainability.

“Promontory Point is a valued piece of Chicago’s history and an important public space for residents and visitors alike,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This resolution reflects our commitment to preserving its character while addressing shoreline erosion in a way that respects the community’s voice.”

Promontory Point is a 40-acre, man-made peninsula located at the south end of Burnham Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 and designated a Chicago landmark in 2023, the Point has long been at the center of preservation conversations. A 2002 proposal from the city of Chicago and the Chicago Park District sought to replace its historic limestone components with concrete and stone, sparking community opposition.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois workers now have the ability to see if they are owed unpaid wages through the I-CASH website, thanks to advocacy from State Senator Robert Peters and Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

“Let’s be clear: Wage theft is theft. It’s in fact the leading form of theft,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “People deserve as much time as possible to recover their unpaid wages.”

The Illinois Department of Labor recovers back wages when it finds an employer has underpaid workers in violation of state law. Unfortunately for workers, wage theft investigations can take significant amounts of time. Illinois workers can now search the I-CASH website to see if unpaid wages and penalties pursued and collected by the Illinois Department of Labor are waiting for them to claim.