Sweet 16th District to see several safety improvements under Rebuild Illinois thanks to Preston

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of over $12 million in safety and preservation improvement projects for Fiscal Year 2025 thanks to smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Willie Preston.

“Many communities in the area have suffered from historic underinvestment, and our infrastructure shows it,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Rebuild Illinois allows us to restore the infrastructure in our neighborhoods while preserving the value of the stories written in the streets.”

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Preston: Illinois Healthcare Protection Act paving the way for health equity

• Healthcare Protection Act
• HPA
• health care

CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) released the below statement following the governor’s signature on Illinois’ historic health care reform legislation on Wednesday, House Bill 5395 that he chief co-sponsored in the Senate:

“As a state senator representing a predominantly Black district, I am acutely aware of the unique challenges our communities face in accessing quality health care. Rooted in systemic inequities and socio-economic disparities, these barriers leave many without adequate coverage or facing unaffordable medical expenses.

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Senator Preston applauds FDA ban on brominated vegetable oil, calls for immediate action on Illinois Food Safety Act

CHICAGO - Senator Willie Preston today commended the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its decision to ban brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a harmful food additive that has posed significant health risks to consumers for decades. However, Senator Preston emphasized that more action is needed to protect public health, particularly in Illinois.

"It’s great that the FDA has finally banned brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a dangerous additive that has no place in our food. However, this is just one step, and we need the FDA to ban other harmful additives such as red dye 3," said Senator Preston. "In Illinois, we shouldn’t wait and allow people, especially children, to continue consuming these dangerous substances. This is why we need to pass the Illinois Food Safety Act, which I proudly sponsored. The health and safety of our communities depend on it, and we must act now."

The Illinois Food Safety Act aims to remove harmful additives from food products sold within the state, providing greater protection for Illinois residents. By proactively addressing these concerns, the Act seeks to eliminate the dangers posed by substances like red dye 3, which has been linked to various health issues, particularly in children.

Senator Preston’s call to action highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for state-level leadership as we wait for more comprehensive federal regulations.

Preston’s second annual Juneteenth event and celebration a success

CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston hosted a successful second annual Juneteenth Day celebration in his community at O'Hallaren Park on Wednesday.

“Events like these are so important to me and my district staff,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “By holding Juneteenth events in our community, we can educate the next generation on the importance of this historic date, while also giving them an opportunity to have some fun and enjoy coming together.”

The event, organized by Senator Preston's office, commemorates the historic milestone of Juneteenth and honors the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in Illinois and across the nation. The occasion brought together hundreds of people including residents and community leaders and featured food, live music, a basketball tournament and local resources.

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