You’re invited: Light Up the Sweet 16th District with Senator Preston

Join State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) for a festive holiday block decorating contest! Show your holiday spirit by decorating your block with neighbors and compete for prizes and neighborhood pride, all in the name of Christmas cheer.

The holiday block decorating contest is open to residents within the 16^th Legislative District. Click here to see a map of the district to ensure your block falls within the boundaries.

Prizes are as follows:

• First place: $1,000
• Second place: $500
• Third place: $250

Contest entries must represent a block or group of neighbors — not individual homes. To enter the contest, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include a contact person’s name, phone number, and the address of your block.

Judging will take place from Dec. 1 to Dec. 15, so be sure to have your decorations in place by the end of November. Winners will be announced Friday, Dec. 19 at Senator Preston’s annual holiday party.

Preston sounds the alarm on SNAP halt

SPRINGFIELD – With SNAP funding coming to a screeching halt on Nov. 1st, State Senator Willie Preston brought colleagues together for a press conference to sound the alarm about the impact of the loss on 16th District families.

“Starting Saturday, 1.9 million Illinoisans will wake up without the food assistance they rely on to put groceries on their tables,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I want you to think about who these people are. They're not statistics. They're our neighbors. Our friends. Our family members.”

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Nearly $2.3 million allocated for Chicagoland infrastructure with backing from Preston

CHICAGO — State Senator Willie Preston is bringing over $2 million to the 16^th District for the building and improvement of infrastructure projects.

“Our infrastructure represents the backbone of our economy and our communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “By investing in new projects and continuing to improve upon existing ones, we are protecting the safety of the people of Illinois and laying the groundwork for easier, more efficient movement throughout our state.”

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Statement from Senator Willie Preston on the Chicago Bears’ decision to leave the city

“As a lifelong Chicagoan, I cannot express how profoundly disappointed I am that the Bears truly intend to leave Chicago. Bottom line, the Chicago Bears belong in Chicago.

Chicago is the economic powerhouse of not just Illinois, but the entire Midwest and it is this city that made the Bears one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. Just a few weeks ago, I sat down with Bears leadership in my office and urged them to reconsider this move.

As a State Lawmaker who proudly represents a portion of Chicago’s South Side, I cannot and will not support any measure that gives the Bears a taxpayer funded escape hatch.  Whether it’s massive development tax breaks or any other financial tool, I will oppose efforts to let the Bears walk away from their obligations to the people of Illinois while abandoning the city that built their legacy. What a way to fumble the kickoff of the season.”