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.”

“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.”

CHICAGO- Senator Willie Preston (D-16^th District) filed Senate Bill 2689 designed to continue the move to a carbon free energy supply while safeguarding future ratepayer risks associated with spiking energy costs.

“After listening to the August 18th Senate Energy Committee hearing, where special interests continued to offer the same tired arguments and repeated unfulfilled promises, particularly as they relate to my community, I felt compelled to take specific and effective action to help my constituents and all of Illinois with rising energy costs.  This bill will enable Illinois to continue to press forward towards an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy future regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, while not holding the pocket book of hardworking families hostage to unsubstantiated future promises.” 

SPRINGFIELD - Emphasizing the need to protect contractors in Illinois and reform Illinois’ retainage policies, State Senator Willie Preston championed a new law for contractors and subcontractors to receive the money they deserve.

“Hardworking individuals in Illinois should never have to question if they will get paid for their work,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This law puts workers first and makes sure that contractors are receiving 100% pay for 100% work.”

Preston’s new law would permit state agencies to retain a percentage of payments due to a contractor or subcontractor only if they are not progressing on a project. Upon completion of the project, the agency must pay the contractor or subcontractor the money that was retained during the project.

“As a former contracting business owner, this fight is deeply personal to me and I want to tell you that if you are a small contractor, I will always stand up for you, fight for you, and advocate for you,” said Preston. “This law allows us to empower our minority small businesses and push for fairness for all contractors.”

House Bill 1224 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect July 1, 2026.