CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters is encouraging community organizations, schools and industry groups to apply for grants through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which helps open doors for individuals pursuing careers in the construction and building trades.

"Building a broad base of skilled candidates is essential to support our expanding trades sector," said Peters (D-Chicago). "Investment in these initiatives will advance the state’s workforce development and provide opportunities for communities that have historically lacked resources and support."

The latest round of funding includes $25 million to support pre-apprenticeship programs that aim to increase diversity and create pathways for underrepresented groups in the construction industry, including women, veterans and people of color. The program offers comprehensive, tuition-free training and certifications, along with supportive services to help individuals gain entry to apprenticeships and ultimately secure stable, well-paying careers.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, chambers of commerce, community colleges, technical schools and school districts, among others. Grants will range from $150,000 to $550,000, with applications accepted until Aug. 31.

For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

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.

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.