John, it's Sen. Robert Peters.

It's 4/20, and I can't pass up the opportunity to talk about one of the biggest pieces of legislation from my freshman year in the IL Senate.

Before we legalized cannabis in Illinois, Black and Brown folks in our district were FOUR TIMES more likely than white people to get arrested for marijuana-related charges – even while using at the same rates.

But, because of a joint effort between the House, the Senate, our Governor, and the people that elected us, weed is legal and thousands of records are being expunged – allowing folks across Illinois to move toward the future.

Just like I was proud to be part of that historic vote in 2019, I was also proud to lead the bill eliminating cash bail in Illinois – because at the end of the day, what I care about most is creating a fairer criminal justice system for folks in our state.

Decriminalizing marijuana was the first step in the right direction, but it was just the start of a long fight. That's why I continue to support and sponsor bills that help reduce incarceration rates in Illinois, increase public safety, and focus on true injustices in our legal system.

John, I'm still fighting to level the playing field and change the narrative when it comes to unnecessary and discriminatory policy. Now I'm up for re-election, and I'd love your support to keep up the good work. Could you consider joining my grassroots, people-first coalition and pitching in today?

RE-ELECT SEN. PETERS

Thank you,

Sen. Robert Peters

Senator Robert Peters was born in 1985 deaf and with a massive speech impediment. His biological mother was addicted to drugs and alcohol, and his adopted mother and father were a social worker and a civil rights lawyer. He saw first hand the impact and devastation of the racist war on drugs.

As he grew up, he admired the work his father did as a civil rights and criminal defense attorney, challenging wrongdoing by the police. This combined with the effect of the criminalization of addiction, inspired his work on criminal justice reform rooted in the safety, freedom, and wellness of all people.

A defining moment for Peters was the Great Recession, as he struggled to find work and lost his parents within a year and a half of each other. He found his power through political organizing in solidarity with a variety of organizations in Chicago fighting for justice.

As a state senator, Peters has championed the end of cash bail in Illinois after years of organizing around it before becoming a Senator. This legislative session alone, Peters has passed six bills out of the Senate, as he continues to push Illinois forward as a leader in criminal justice reform and true public safety for all. He chairs the Labor Committee in the Senate and is Chair of the Senate Black Caucus. He is focused on environmental justice, racial justice, economic freedom, and public safety for all.

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Chicago, IL 60615-5139

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