Legislators and Advocates Call for Retainage Reform to Support Illinois Contractors and Workers

SPRINGFIELD — Today, legislators and advocates gathered to announce the filing of Senate Bill 74 and House Bill 1224, landmark legislation to reform Illinois’ retainage policies.

“This legislation is about fairness and modernizing our laws to support Illinois contractors,” said State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago), chief sponsor of Senate Bill 74. “Our small businesses and workforce deserve payment practices that reflect the realities of today’s economy.”

The bills aim to end the practice of withholding payments from contractors across the board and instead adopt federal standards that impose retainage only when specific project issues arise. The bills would only apply to state agencies and public universities, not local governments or private developments.

Advocates called on lawmakers to support the legislation and act swiftly to pass it during the current session. “We urge lawmakers to recognize the urgency of this reform. Retainage policies affect thousands of workers and businesses across the state. The time to act is now,” said Jaemie Neely, Executive Director of the Federation of Women Contractors.

Advocates emphasized the detrimental effects of the current policy on contractors and small businesses, noting how delayed payments disrupt cash flow, limit job growth and threaten livelihoods.

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Preston highlights largest housing discrimination case in Illinois history

CHICAGO- Emphasizing the importance of ending housing discrimination against low-income families who sought to use Housing Choice Vouchers, State Senator Willie Preston hosted a number of his colleagues and stakeholders at a press conference Monday to address the issue.

“The pain of living without a roof over your head is a reality no Illinoisan should endure in 2025. In the 1960s, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to Chicago to fight for fair housing, recognizing—then as we do now—that housing is not a privilege but a fundamental human right,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “In Illinois, we will not tolerate those who disregard our laws and exploit our communities

During the press conference, the Housing Rights Initiative discussed the filing of the largest housing discrimination case in Illinois history against 165 real estate agents, brokerage firms, and landlords alleging they illegally discriminated against low-income families who sought to use Housing Choice Vouchers.

In 2022, House Bill 2775 became law, which aimed to make it easier for low-income families to find housing by declaring that it is a civil rights violation for any person engaging in real estate transactions to discriminate based on source of income. The historic filing builds upon that foundation by holding discriminatory real estate companies accountable and sending a message that landlords can’t slam the door in the face of low-income families in Illinois.

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Preston commends FDA ban on red dye No.3

CHICAGO – Following the recent announcement of the Food and Drug Administration banning red dye No.3, State Senator Willie Preston announced his support for the decision and highlighted his efforts to remove the dye that has been linked to dangerous health issues.

“This decision made by the FDA echoes the work I put forth under the Illinois Food Safety Act. By banning this dye, we are sending a clear message that we will put Americans’ health first – this dangerous substance must be taken out of our food,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I commend the efforts of the advocates and medical experts who fought for the ban and will continue to advocate and educate Illinoisans about the dangers of these additives.”

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Preston sworn in to 104th General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) was sworn in for a new term representing Illinois’ 16^th Senate District in the 104^th General Assembly. He released the following statement:

“I am deeply humbled that the people of the 16^th District would grant me the privilege of serving them for another term. I will not miss a beat as the new session begins. We are moving full steam ahead in the fight for equitable health care, expanding education and bringing financial support to our district.

As newly elected Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, I will fight to ensure every Black family in state has the tools they need to thrive. Our work is just getting started – and I am thankful for the people of the 16^th District for putting their trust in me to continue the good fight.”