Preston reflects on Communities in Action experience

CHICAGO — State Senator Willie Preston issued the following statement after participating in the Communities in Action forum at the White House:

“The impact of the Biden-Harris Administration in my district has been monumental to my efforts in the Senate. Communities throughout the 16th District have been impacted greatly by the affordable housing crisis. The federal funding from the Biden-Harris Administration allowed us to expand our housing supply, strengthening communities and supporting economic development in our district and across Illinois.

“With record-number investments in housing opportunities under the Biden-Harris Administration, I made it a priority of mine to ensure underserved communities were supported. Individuals returning to society often face barriers to gaining access to the resources they need for successful reentry into their communities. Capitalizing on these investments, I led the passage of legislation securing state IDs for formerly incarcerated folks upon reentry into society — a critical step in accessing expanded housing programs.

“I had the pleasure of joining colleagues, business owners, community organizers and leaders in labor, nonprofits, education and health care from across the region to share in our collective accomplishments in partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration. The forum was especially celebratory for me, as it was my birthday as well. Having space to share the work we are leading in our communities was an extremely exhilarating experience. I am inspired by our conversations and look forward to continued collaborations across local, state and federal governments for the betterment of people in the sweet 16th District.”

Preston heads to the White House for community engagement forum Communities in Action

CHICAGO — State Senator Willie Preston will join elected officials and community leaders from Illinois and Indiana in Washington, D.C. to highlight the impacts of the collective collaboration with the Biden-Harris Administration on communities across his district.

“Working across multiple levels of government and municipalities is crucial in our mission to dismantling systemic barriers for communities that have historically left behind,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I have been a longtime advocate for our trades, and I strive to do everything I can to support our local commerce and provide transformative opportunities for residents in the 16th District.”

As the owner of a small construction firm, Preston recognizes the value in trade careers. With the increasing availability of union jobs thanks to investments from the Biden-Harris Administration, Preston partnered with a local school to transport young adults to workforce centers to apply for career opportunities.

The impact of the Biden-Harris Administration in Preston’s district has been monumental to his efforts in the Senate, including leading legislation to create more successful reentry pathways for returning residents. Under the administration, there have been significant investments in housing units in historically underserved communities. Capitalizing on these investments, Preston led the passage of House Bill 3702 and House Bill 3345 to promote more successful reentry pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals.

“Individuals returning to society often face barriers to gaining access to the resources they need for successful reentry into their communities,” said Preston. “With record-number investments in housing opportunities, I made it a priority of mine to help pave the way for folks’ successful reentry.”

Senator Preston in the news

January 23, 2024

Illinois Food Safety Act seeks to ban specific additives found in candy, soda by NBC Chicago Staff
"A new piece of legislation being considered in Springfield would ban several food additives found in certain candies and sodas..."

Illinois Officials Look to ‘Knock the Dominoes Down’ and Ban Some Additives, Dye Used in Ultra-Processed Food by WTTW
"State Sen. Willie Preston has a goal: To ensure that when Illinois residents go to the grocery store, they can be confident..."

Illinois bill seeks to ban food additives linked to health issues by Chicago Sun-Times
"Senate Bill 2637, introduced by state Sen. Willie Preston, D-Chicago, and backed by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, would ban..."

Bill Would Ban Certain Food Additives In Illinois by Vandalia Radio
"An Illinois lawmaker is pushing for a ban on a group of potentially harmful ingredients commonly found in..."

Senator Willie Preston Details Efforts to Ban Dangerous Food Additives in Illinois by Sound of the State
"State Senator Willie Preston joins the Sound of the State to talk about his recently-introduced measure to prioritize consumer health and safety..."

Preston’s new measure sets precedent for consumer food health and safety

CHICAGO — State Senator Willie Preston introduced new legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other food items sold and produced in Illinois.

“This legislation, in its simplest form, increases food safety for Illinoisans,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “These substances have been used in food for decades, and new evidence shows they can pose serious threats to our health and to the health of our kids.”

Senate Bill 2637 will ban specific, dangerous food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding or selling of food products. These additives include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye no. 3.

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