Peters measure to lower energy costs, create jobs
- Details
- Category: Press Releases
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.
Beyond lowering costs, the bill would protect workers by requiring labor agreements that support union jobs, ensuring those building and maintaining these networks are paid fair wages. It also would mandate strong consumer protections, requiring the Illinois Commerce Commission to oversee projects to guarantee customers never pay more than they would have otherwise, promoting cleaner energy, good jobs and economic relief for families across the state.
“This initiative extends beyond energy – it’s about fairness,” said Peters. “No one should have to choose between paying their utility bill and putting food on the table. Investing in modern infrastructure such as this helps make energy more affordable and creates jobs of the future.”
Senate Bill 2258 passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee Friday.
Peters measure to expand retirement savings options for Illinois workers
- Details
- Category: Press Releases
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.
Peters’ measure is designed to expand these efforts, as it would give workers more options for retirement savings. By allowing workers to hold both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, the bill would offer more flexibility and personalized savings strategies. The initiative would also make the program more portable, meaning workers could continue contributing to their retirement savings even if they change jobs, without losing track of their funds.
“Retirement security shouldn’t depend on whether your employer offers a plan,” said Peters. “By making these changes, we would be giving workers the power to save in a way that works for them while ensuring employers do their part in supporting their employees’ futures.”
Senate Bill 1441 passed the Senate Thursday and awaits further consideration.
Peters’ bill ensures smarter penalties for nurse agencies, stronger protections for patients
- Details
- Category: Press Releases
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.
Under Peters’ measure, the scope of accountability would be expanded, holding all violators accountable and making penalties more proportional to the violation. This would improve patient safety and ensure nurse agencies can operate effectively without fear of disproportionate fines, creating a fairer system that is better equipped to protect the public and the health care professionals who serve them.
“By making penalties fit the violation, we can crack down on serious issues while making sure agencies aren’t crushed by excessive fines for small errors,” said Peters. “This means better care for patients and a stronger health care system overall.”
Senate Bill 67 passed the Senate Thursday and awaits further consideration.
Peters law to increase transparency in solitary confinement practices
- Details
- Category: Press Releases
SPRINGFIELD — A new law championed by State Senator Robert Peters will 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.
“For too long, solitary confinement has existed in the shadows, with little public insight into its use and impact,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Thanks to this law, we can now hold our system accountable and work toward meaningful reforms that prioritize the well-being of those in custody.”
“Restrictive housing” is another phrase for solitary confinement – a form of housing that separates an individual in custody from the general population. The law 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.
Under Peters’ law, IDOC will be required to publish quarterly reports online detailing general trends, including demographic information, lengths of confinement, incidents of self-harm and access to health care in restrictive housing units.
“This law is a victory for transparency, accountability and human dignity,” said Peters. “By shedding light on solitary confinement practices, we’re taking a crucial step toward ensuring our institutions operate with fairness and oversight.”
House Bill 4828 was signed into law Friday.
More Articles …
Page 6 of 88
Welcome
Dear Friends,
Thank you for visiting my legislative website. It is my honor to serve the citizens of the 13th Senate District in the Illinois General Assembly. On this website, you can learn a little bit about me, my record in the General Assembly, and the services I can provide you.
I always welcome feedback from my constituents, so if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Robert Peters
State Senator, 13th District
Follow Sen. Peters
Contact Us
District Office:
1304 E. 47th St., Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 363-1996
Text:
(773) 830-2598
Springfield Office:
Stratton Office Building
Section C, Office H
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-5338