Preston named Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus

SPRINGFIELD – At a meeting of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus earlier this week, State Senator Willie Preston was elected by his colleagues as the new caucus chair.
"I am deeply humbled and grateful to my colleagues for entrusting me with the honor of serving as Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This is an extraordinary responsibility, and I do not take it lightly. Together, we stand on the shoulders of the trailblazers who came before us, and it is our duty to continue fighting for the progress Black communities deserve.”

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus advocates on behalf of the Black community, ensures inclusion and diversity within legislation, and works diligently to improve the health and social outcomes for Black Illinoisans.

“As chair, my focus will be ensuring that every Black family in Illinois has the tools they need to thrive,” said Preston. “We must continue the work of building a strong and inclusive middle class where families have access to good-paying jobs that provide dignity and stability.”

Preston intends to use his position to address and find solutions to the systemic inequalities continuing to face Black Americans daily.

“Every child, regardless of their ZIP code, deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for a bright future. We must confront the inequities in our healthcare system, ensuring that Black Illinoisans can access affordable, comprehensive care, and we must work tirelessly to make our neighborhoods safe and vibrant places to live and grow,” said Preston. “From expanding access to trade schools to fostering economic opportunities for minority-owned businesses, I am committed to advancing policies that address the systemic barriers Black Illinoisans face and championing initiatives that create a fairer, more just state for all.”

Preston will serve as chair during the transition into the 104th General Assembly, which is scheduled to be inaugurated on Jan. 8, 2025.

Preston leads discussions on measure to enhance speech therapy coverage to treat stuttering

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.

Preston announces Conrady Junior High School recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School

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.

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Preston announces $1.5 million to save Pike House

CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston joined the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation, Beverly Area Arts Alliance and Commissioner Stanley Moore Saturday to announce significant state funding secured by Preston to save, renovate and reinvigorate the Pike House.

“This investment not only honors the rich history of our community, but also ensures future generations will have the opportunity to connect with and learn from this important landmark,” said Preston. "I am incredibly grateful to have been able to secure this generous funding to preserve our heritage.”

Preston announced he has secured $1.5 million in state funding to save the historic Pike House.

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