CHICAGO — In recent public remarks, the federal administration threatened to change statutes on cash bail in Illinois and Washington, D.C., accusing the SAFE-T Act and the end of cash bail of increasing crime rates in Chicago. To set the record straight on both the law and the facts, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Once again, the federal administration is spreading dangerous misinformation – this time falsely claiming the end of cash bail in Illinois has led to rising crime rates across the state, particularly in Chicago, and that murderers are being released the same day they commit a crime. This could not be further from the truth.

“Not only are these claims blatantly wrong, they are intentionally misleading in order to spread fear. The truth is very simple: Illinois now prioritizes public safety over wealth. Under our state’s criminal justice system reform, individuals are detained or released based on whether they pose a risk to the community or are likely to flee – not on whether they can afford to foot the bill. That means someone with money doesn’t get a free pass, and someone without it isn’t jailed simply because they’re poor.

SPRINGFIELD — Saving for retirement will become easier and more flexible for thousands of Illinois workers, thanks to a new law from State Senator Robert Peters that expands access to portable, customizable savings options. 

“Our residents deserve retirement savings options that offer them greater flexibility and control while still prioritizing their financial security,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law does just that – empowering people to tailor their financial planning, addressing financial vulnerability and promoting equity in retirement savings.”

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’ law expands these efforts, as it gives workers more options for retirement savings. By allowing workers to hold both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, the law offers more flexibility and personalized savings strategies. The law also makes the program more portable, meaning workers can continue contributing to their retirement savings even if they change jobs, without losing track of their funds.

“Financial security during retirement shouldn’t be based on if your employer offers a plan or allows a previous plan to transfer over,” said Peters. “We’re giving residents the support they need to take charge of their financial planning and ensuring employers do their part in closing the financial security gap.”

Senate Bill 1441 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.

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.”

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.