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.

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.

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.