Peters on State Farm home insurance rate hike: ‘We have a responsibility to step in’

CHICAGO — Last week, State Farm blindsided nearly 1.5 million Illinois homeowners with a decision to increase annual home insurance premiums by 27% – the largest home insurance rate hike in state history, charging consumers hundreds more per year. In response, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement, condemning the company’s decision and pushing for increased transparency for homeowners across the state:

“Hundreds of dollars a year may not mean much to a large corporation like State Farm, but for the hardworking families of Illinois, it’s groceries, child care, medicine and bill payments. A 27% rate hike on homeowners – without transparency – is unacceptable.

“Illinois is one of the only states in the country where insurance companies can raise rates without having to justify them. When nearly one-third of our state is being asked to pay more for their homes each year while getting less in return, we have a responsibility to step in and change that.

“I fully support Governor Pritzker’s call for urgent regulatory and legislative action to bring transparency, fairness and accountability to this industry. Illinois homeowners deserve protection from unchecked decisions and rate hikes that leave them footing the bill, and I remain committed to standing with our residents and fighting for legislative reform.”

Peters secures $350,000 in tourism grants to enhance city festivals, exhibits

CHICAGO — To help boost service, vacationing and business sectors in Chicago, State Senator Robert Peters secured $350,000 in tourism grants for three city organizations.

“Chicago is slowly rebuilding to pre-pandemic tourism rates, seeing over a five percent increase from 2023 to 2024 and topping international visitors at two million for the first time since 2019,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Investments like these are what make these increases in visitors possible – empowering our communities with the resources needed to offer exceptional, well-rounded services, products and experiences to every person who visits our city.”

Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, a total of $6.3 million was awarded to 36 grantees through the Route 66 Grant Program, Tourism Attractions Grant Program and Tourism Private Sector Grant Program.

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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.”