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.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston led legislation through the Senate that would facilitate neutral, good-faith contract negotiations between Chicago Public Schools principals and the Chicago Board of Education when an agreement can’t be reached – without the need for strikes or lockouts that could disrupt students’ education.

“Labor agreements should happen as the result of true, good-faith negotiations,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This plan lays out a fair framework to allow principals in our state’s largest school district to enjoy the same right to a fair bargaining process as other public employees.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston held a subject matter hearing in the Senate Executive Committee to discuss the need for health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“This bill makes a powerful statement about Illinois’ commitment to accessible and affordable health care,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We are working to remove financial and administrative barriers to those seeking speech therapy services.”

Senate Bill 3972 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering. While current law considers speech therapy a covered habilitative service for those under 19, insurance coverage is clouded by exclusions and limitations of the individual’s policy.

Some insurance plans specifically exclude stuttering treatment, according to the National Stuttering Association. Preston’s bill would make habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy more affordable for those covered by private or public insurance plans.

The hearing included many witnesses including former NBA player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, testimony from two experts in the field, and Brad Steinberg – whose son, Trace Steinberg, stutters.

“I can tell you from a parent’s perspective that not only from a speech standpoint for Trace has he gotten much better. But through speech therapy, he's raising his hand more he's engaging more,” said Steinberg. “It is not just about the speech – but it’s that he’s a different person because of the therapy that he is receiving.”

Preston himself developed a stutter when he was 12 years old and fought through that challenge on his own. He believes this legislation would assist folks who went through a similar experience to him and remove the cost barrier for those seeking treatment.

“I started abruptly stuttering and I practiced speaking in the mirror every day because I wasn’t lucky enough to have the care afforded to me that I want to ensure others have,” said Preston. “Those who overcame their speaking impediment through therapy can have a better quality of life.”

Preston looks forward to leading further discussions on Senate Bill 3972.

HICKORY HILLS — State Senator Willie Preston announced Conrady Junior High School has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School – just one of 356 schools in the country and one of 18 in Illinois to receive the honor.

“Being named a Blue Ribbon School not only shows how dedicated the students and teachers are to a higher standard of education, but it also shows their dedication to equity, empowerment and collaboration with those around them,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Conrady has a steadfast dedication to overall excellence.”

With a touch over 1,000 students, 73% met or exceeded reading expectations and 59% met or exceeded math expectations. The school and district focus on this data, which is used to adapt teaching and learning to support every student.