“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 - State Senator Willie spearheaded a new law to expand requirements for school districts to notify families of students with disabilities of advocates experienced in Individualized Education Programs.

“This legislation ensures that families know what services are available to them as they help their child navigate the educational space,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “All students deserve a fair and just education experience.”

SPRINGFIELD - Implicit bias training surrounding maternal health for health care workers will now be required in Illinois, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Willie Preston.

“Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related cause of deaths than white women in Illinois,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Protecting maternal health care is about more than health care, rather it is about human rights and we must protect the rights of all mothers.”