CHICAGO — Thanks to strong support from State Senator Robert Peters, the Chicago Park District received $600,000 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant for Northerly Island Park.

“This program has been essential for bridging equity gaps in community green spaces, providing critical funding for safe and equitable outdoor areas in neighborhoods that have, historically, been underserved,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “OSLAD grants help directly combat disparities in health, public safety and climate change that disproportionately affect the Black and brown communities in our state.” 

OSLAD – one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois – is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD — A measure aimed at addressing issues facing the current public transit system in Illinois has been signed by the governor, thanks to support from State Senator Robert Peters.

“Having a reliable public transit system is a genuine need, not just for our communities but for every state in the U.S.,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Reliable public transit connects people to businesses, essential services and opportunities. With this new law, we’re not only avoiding crisis, we’re making a long-term reform in the system that keeps our region moving.”  

Senate Bill 2111 will create the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, replacing the Regional Transportation Authority. The NITA board will comprise of 20 members, with five appointments each from the governor, mayor of Chicago and Cook County Board president, as well as one from each chair or county executive of the collar county boards of DuPage, Kane, McHenry, Lake and Will.

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is on its way to improving public trust in law enforcement and tackling low homicide clearance rates, thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters that goes into effect Jan. 1.

“House Bill 1710 takes much-needed steps toward more effective public safety by helping identify where major gaps in our justice system are,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “If we want to foster trust and cooperation between local law enforcement and our communities, we must ensure our system is transparent and actually works for our residents.”

Under Peters’ law, the Illinois State Police will provide a report offering detailed data on homicides and aggravated assaults involving firearms to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority by Sept. 1, 2026, and every four months after. These reports will track key metrics such as arrest numbers, cases referred for prosecution and the reasons why cases remain unsolved, providing a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement.

SPRINGFIELD — More survivors of domestic abuse will be aware of their housing rights and resources, thanks to a law from State Senator Robert Peters that takes effect on Jan. 1.

“Access to safe housing is a primary need of domestic violence survivors, acting as a critical component for victims’ long-term safety and stability,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 3652 is just a small step toward ensuring survivors have the support they need to reclaim their freedom.”

Peters’ law mandates the Illinois Department of Human Rights to develop a concise overview detailing housing rights and procedures for survivors of domestic or sexual violence and their household members. The bill covers early lease termination, safety lock installation and housing protections and mandates property owners must furnish this summary to each tenant upon lease signing or face fines of up to $2,000 for non-compliance.