New law from Peters ensures equal pay, fair treatment on the job

SPRINGFIELD — Across Illinois, workers are showing up, doing the job and still being paid less – simply because they are a woman or a person of color. A new law from State Senator Robert Peters is changing that by holding businesses accountable and making sure workers are paid what they are owed.

“Women and people of color deserve the same esteem as other workers in similar fields, and people who have worked hard to earn benefits deserve to take advantage of them,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law ensures businesses in Illinois treat our workers fairly, protecting their rights to equal pay and full access to their benefits.”

Peters’ law strengthens two of Illinois’ most important worker protection laws: the Equal Pay Act and the Prevailing Wage Act. Under previous law, only certain businesses had to report whether they pay workers fairly based on gender and race. Under Peters’ new law, all businesses covered by state law have to submit a clear statement to the Department of Labor showing they are not underpaying women or people of color doing the same jobs as others.

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Peters releases statement on expected closing of DuSable homeless shelter

CHICAGO — After learning the DuSable homeless shelter located at 4900 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive will soon be closing down operations, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“For months, my office and I have worked diligently to ensure members of our community were heard in their concerns about the DuSable shelter and informed regarding the shelter’s operations.

“On June 20, the Illinois Department of Human Services and officials from the City of Chicago informed me the DuSable shelter will be ceasing operations, with the expected completion to take between three to six months. I have been assured all residents of the shelter will be moved into new facilities.

“Throughout this process, I have been clear in our need for transparent communication that fully engages the community’s voice while also helping homeless families transition into secure housing. Reducing homelessness must be a priority for both the city and the state, and we remain committed to fighting for the dignity and care of our most vulnerable residents.

“As more information becomes available, my office and I are dedicated to keeping community members up-to-date. Individuals can contact my office at 773-363-1996 with questions or for help connecting with resources.” 

Peters praises comprehensive transit bill: Win for working people, Northern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — After the Illinois State Senate advanced House Bill 3438 – a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at strengthening and stabilizing public transit in Northern Illinois through the creation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“The passage of House Bill 3438 is a major win for working people across Northern Illinois. By preventing devastating service cuts and disruptions, it would protect the vital transit options that millions rely on to get to work, school and essential services. At the same time, the bill would lay the foundation for a more stable, rider-focused system that’s safer, more accessible and better coordinated.

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Peters: This budget prioritizes our most vulnerable residents

SPRINGFIELD — After the Illinois State Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget on Saturday, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“At a time when uncertainty at the federal level threatens the well-being of our most vulnerable residents, we in Illinois are choosing to lead with compassion and purpose. This budget prioritizes those most in need by preserving critical human services, increasing access to health care and investing in communities that have long been left behind.

“Equitable access to health care remains a fundamental need, especially for those facing systemic barriers. This budget increases support for services that help keep people healthy and safe – from investments in mental health to delivering vital care in underserved areas of Illinois by bringing total state support for Federally Qualified Health Centers to $40 million.

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