SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Willie spearheaded a new law to expand requirements for school districts to notify families of students with disabilities of advocates experienced in Individualized Education Programs.

“This legislation ensures that families know what services are available to them as they help their child navigate the educational space,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “All students deserve a fair and just education experience.”

SPRINGFIELD - Implicit bias training surrounding maternal health for health care workers will now be required in Illinois, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Willie Preston.

“Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related cause of deaths than white women in Illinois,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Protecting maternal health care is about more than health care, rather it is about human rights and we must protect the rights of all mothers.”

SPRINGFIELD - Emphasizing the need to protect contractors in Illinois and reform Illinois’ retainage policies, State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation for contractors and subcontractors to receive the money they deserve.

“Workers in Illinois should never have to question if they will get paid for their work,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “It's time to make sure that contractors are receiving 100% pay for 100% work. We took a step forward in the construction industry to ensure that we truly support small businesses that create jobs throughout the state.”

House Bill 1224 would permit state agencies to retain a percentage of payments due to a contractor or subcontractor only if they are not progressing on a project. Upon completion of the project, the agency must pay the contractor or subcontractor the money that was retained during the project.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Willie Preston passed a measure through the Senate to expand implicit bias training for health care workers in Illinois.

“I am proud to lead the charge in implementing essential implicit bias training in health care surrounding maternal health risks associated with marginalized communities in particular Black communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related cause of deaths than white women. I will always advocate for every woman in Illinois to receive adequate, respectful, and dignified health care regardless of their background.”

House Bill 2517 would expand implicit bias training for health care workers in Illinois to include training on potential maternal health risk factors associated with marginalized communities with increased mortality rate.