Preston releases statement following Grayson sentencing

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago), Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, released the following statement after Sean Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of Sonya Massey:

“Sonya Massey should still be here today. Nothing about this sentence can restore what was taken from her family, her loved ones and her community. While Sean Grayson was sentenced to the fullest extent allowed under the law, this outcome does not offer true closure for a life unjustly taken.

“As we hold the Massey family close in our thoughts, we must also be clear that accountability alone is not enough. There is still important work to be done to confront the systemic failures that allowed this tragedy to occur and to ensure real trust, transparency and reform within our systems of public safety. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus remains committed to that work.”

Preston invites constituents to legislative town hall on Feb. 7

CHICAGO — State Senator Willie Preston announced he will be hosting a legislative town hall on Saturday, Feb. 7.

“I am excited to hear from community members and see what issues they care about the most,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This is an opportunity for residents in the Sweet 16^th District to let me know what they would like me to focus on this year and give feedback on my legislative plan.”

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Preston secures $600,000 investment for Oak Lawn Park District

CHICAGO – Thanks to State Senator Preston’s advocacy, Oak Lawn Park District will receive $600,000 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“Community parks are a key pillar to the health of a city and a child’s enrichment,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This investment will build on our efforts to provide safe, holistic and modern public spaces for the people of the Sweet Sixteenth District. The 16th District is rich with parks and green space and I will continue investing in these beautiful places so families can enjoy them for generations to come.”

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Preston outlines measure to overhaul state’s tax sale system, stop predatory speculation

• SB2830
• Property Justice and Community Recovery Act
• Tax Sale System
• Predatory Investing

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston held a press conference Tuesday to outline his Property Justice and Community Recovery Act – long-term structural reform to stop wealth extraction from disinvested communities, which will in turn stabilize neighborhoods.

“For too long, our tax sale system has enabled predatory investors to exploit struggling homeowners and extract wealth from our most vulnerable communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This legislation would flip that broken system on its head. We're working to end risk-free speculation, forgiving crushing tax debt when it's unjust, and putting properties back into the hands of residents, nonprofits and local developers who will actually invest in our neighborhoods."

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