Preston legislation to expand access to colonoscopies

SPRINGFIELD – To reduce barriers for Illinoisans trying to access a colonoscopy, State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation requiring all health insurance plans to cover the cost of the procedure when deemed medically necessary.

“Removing hurdles for people trying to be proactive with their health is incredibly valuable,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This legislation prioritizes preventive care, enhancing its accessibility and empowering folks to take control of their health by having access to the resources they need to be proactive.”

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Preston’s measure to ban harmful food additives passes Senate

• SB 2637
• IL Food Safety Act
• Food Safety

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other food items sold and produced in Illinois.

“The FDA has failed to take action on this pressing issue,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Safer alternatives are already being used in the EU and other places. We need to make sure that safer choices are available to families in Illinois and hopefully, other states will follow so all consumers have access to the healthiest options.”

Over the last few decades, studies show that the number of chemicals being added to foods is steadily increasing and are linked to heightened health risks.

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Preston highlights bipartisan support to ban harmful food additives

• Senator Preston
• SB 2637
• IL Food Safety Act

SPRINGFIELD – In a landmark decision to prioritize the health and well-being of Illinoisans, State Senator Willie Preston joined fellow lawmakers at a press conference Wednesday to highlight his legislation to ban the use of four harmful food additives.

“There are a number of growing concerns about the negative effects and associated health risks of certain food additives,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The ban in Illinois not only protects public health but also emphasizes our commitment to transparency and accountability. By focusing on consumer safety and offering clear directives to food manufacturers, we build trust and confidence among residents in the products they consume.”

Senate Bill 2637, better known as the Illinois Food Safety Act, would ban specific, dangerous food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding or selling of food products. These additives include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3.

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Preston leads measure to address antiquated officer hiring

• Senator Preston
• Labor
• SB 2608

SPRINGFIELD — To diversify the state’s pool of law enforcement officers, State Senator Willie Preston is leading legislation to prohibit the use of credit history in police hiring decisions.

“An applicant's poor credit history should not preclude that person from becoming a police officer,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “If we want to address the decrease in officers applying and diversify our law enforcement, we have to remove these outdated, classist policies.”

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