Caucus News

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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters’ legislation to expand assistance under the Crime Victims Compensation Program was signed into law on Friday.

“Exposure to traumatic events can have lasting impacts on an individual’s well-being,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “It is important for our laws to acknowledge all those who should be considered under this program and to take into account the diverse range of experiences and challenges someone may face.”

The losses suffered by victims of crime are diverse and can extend beyond the immediate incident, resulting in financial losses, disruptions to daily routines and employment, and other long-term physical and emotional consequences affecting an individual’s quality of life.

SPRINGFIELD — For the first time in nearly 75 years, Illinois will see strengthened protections for youth in the workforce thanks to State Senator Robert Peters.

“Young people in the current workforce encounter challenges unique to their generation,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “These updates to our child labor laws are needed to safeguard their rights and well-being, ensuring our youngest residents have a healthy balance between their work responsibilities, schooling, extracurricular activities and personal lives.”

With support from the AFL-CIO and the Illinois Department of Labor, Peters spearheaded the overhaul of the Illinois Child Labor Law to provide more protections for youth in the workforce by addressing working conditions, age requirements and sectors prone to exploitation.