CHICAGO – Illinois students will see increased minority representation under a new law supported by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago).

“Education is the foundation for so many aspects of how we view ourselves and the world around us, and it is vital that the curriculum is updated to be as well-rounded, inclusive and accurate as can be,” Van Pelt said. “I am happy to see that the initiatives of the Legislative Black Caucus will soon be implemented.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Approximately 2,000 children are arrested every day in the United States, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) wants to make sure Illinois youth who find themselves in this situation are properly represented.

“One of the flaws of our criminal justice system is how it takes Black and Brown youth for prey. When minors are not represented properly, they are liable to be coerced and be taken into the system regardless of their innocence,” Van Pelt said. “For minority youth, one encounter with the system is enough to impact the trajectory of their life for the worst.”

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CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is excited thousands of people will be able to receive their COVID-19 dose at the United Center starting next month.

“I am excited that the United Center, which falls in the district I represent, will be home to a new mass vaccination site,” Van Pelt said. “Thousands of people will have access to this site, which will help increase the efficiency of the vaccine distribution in underprivileged areas like the ones I represent.”

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CHICAGO – After a long year of national racial unrest and advocating for change, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is proud that Gov. JB Pritzker signed HB 3653 into law.

“This is one of the most monumental pieces of legislation the state has passed to date,” Van Pelt said. “My colleagues and I have worked very hard, especially in the last year, to address the ways Black and Brown Illinoisans have felt suffocated under the criminal justice system, and I hope the implementation of these measures allows for some significant change, and even relief.”

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