Preston to announce state support for Pike House

CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston will join the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation, Beverly Area Arts Alliance and Commissioner Stanley Moore to make an announcement regarding the Pike House, an important link to the community’s history and future.

“Supporters of the Pike House have been fighting for years to save the historic Pike House in the Beverly neighborhood in my district,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I look forward to being the catalyst to ensure it is preserved.”

The press conference occurs on the morning of the Beverly Art Walk. A colorful vintage school bus provided by Reggie’s Rock Club will take participants on a short tour of three of the more than 40 venues of the Beverly Art Walk – each selected for their unique connection of history to the present moment through art.

For background on the Pike House, click here. 

• WHO: State Senator Willie Preston, commissioners and representatives from the Pike House and Beverly Area Arts Alliance
• WHAT: Press conference on enhancing the Pike House
• WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m.
• WHERE: Pike House, 1826 W. 91^st St.

Senator Willie Preston secures $4.125 Million for an extension of the LEARN Hunter Perkins Campus

CHICAGO, IL – State Senator Willie Preston of the 16th District has successfully secured $4.125 million for the construction of a building extension at LEARN Charter Schools’ Hunter Perkins Campus, located at 1700 W. 83rd, Chicago, IL 60620. This investment represents a significant win for the community, enhancing the quality of education and providing state-of-the-art facilities for local students. This building will be an addition to the existing campus and provide even more space for learning for the community.

The announcement will be made during a press event scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 8:30 a.m. at the LEARN Hunter Perkins Campus. Senator Preston, alongside esteemed guests Greg White, president and CEO of LEARN Charter Schools, and Cynthia Johnson, principal of the LEARN Hunter Perkins Campus, will highlight the impact this new building will have on students and the broader community.

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Preston applauds funding for educational career grants

CHICAGO – In an effort to address the ongoing teacher shortage, State Senator Willie Preston joined the Illinois State Board of Education in announcing $7.4 million in funding for grants to help prepare high school students for careers in education.

“Career and technical education programs are vital because they unlock pathways to opportunity and empower our Black communities in underserved neighborhoods, bridging the gap between potential and success,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “With the help of these grants, we can provide practical skills and hands-on experience through these programs.”

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Preston’s legislation to expand access to colonoscopies signed by governor

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

“Talking openly about colonoscopies can raise awareness and motivate more individuals to get screened,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “With this law, we can further promote early detection and prevention efforts by broadening coverage for the procedure.”

According to data reported from the National Cancer Institute in 2023, colon cancer was responsible for 7.8% of all new cancer cases in the United States and 8.6% of all cancer deaths. The Institute also projected that about 4.1% of the population will be diagnosed with colon cancer at some point during their lifetime based on data collected from 2017 to 2019.

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