SPRINGFIELD – On its final day of a special session to address COVID-19 concerns, the Illinois Senate passed a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), who supported the budget, issued the following statement:

“This has been one of the most trying few months in most of our lives, and there are folks in my community and all across the state who have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Working class families are struggling. This budget provides much needed services, support and relief to the families that need it, and I’ll always support budgets that do this.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) supported a plan expanding the state’s vote-by-mail program that moved through the Illinois Senate on Friday.

“In this time of crisis, it’s important that we not only look to preserve people’s health, but also their right to participate in the democratic process,” Peters said. “People deserve to cast votes without having to worry about getting sick, and expanding vote-by-mail provisions accomplishes that.”

SPRINGFIELD – The month of April has been designated as Fair Housing Month this year. In recognition, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is encouraging people seek help from the many housing resources that are available.

“In general, lack of proper housing is a serious, life-threatening issue that many people in our community face every day,” Peters said. “It’s even worse now that we’re in the midst of a global pandemic and have recommendations from health agencies all across the state, country and world that the safest course of action is to stay inside your homes. Lots of folks don’t have homes they can isolate in, but there are resources available to help people.”

CHICAGO – Essential workers may be eligible to receive child care assistance during the coronavirus pandemic, under an announcement made by Gov. JB Pritzker earlier this week. State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is encouraging people to apply for help.

“It can be hard for workers to provide care for their children when they have to work, and the coronavirus outbreak only increases the difficulty,” Peters said. “These workers are playing an important role in making sure stores, gas stations, medical centers and other essential businesses are staying open. We owe it to them to ensure their children have proper care when they’re on the job.”