Press Releases

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois high school students will have greater flexibility to pursue career and technical education under a new law championed by State Senator Willie Preston, which expands pathways to graduation and workforce readiness.

The law allows approved career and technical education courses to count toward high school diploma requirements as alternatives to foreign language courses, providing students with more options to align their education with their career goals.

“For too long, we’ve treated success like it follows a single path,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The reality is that our students have different talents different ambitions and different plans for their future. This law recognizes that and gives young people more opportunities to build skills that can lead directly to good paying jobs and rewarding careers.”

CHICAGO — State Senator Willie Preston will be hosting a Fish Fry town hall meeting on Friday, Aug. 21.

“I am excited to discuss the work I did this year to improve our community and residents’ lives,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This is an opportunity for residents in the Sweet 16th District to let me know how else I can help them, and they can enjoy some tasty seafood at the same time.”

SPRINGFIELD — A measure spearheaded by State Senator Willie Preston to protect children from harmful and addictive online practices has been signed into law, marking a major step toward improving digital safety for young people across Illinois.

“Parents shouldn’t have to fight an uphill battle to keep their children safe online,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “For too long, tech companies have put profits ahead of young people’s well-being. Families deserve clear information about how these platforms operate, stronger safeguards for kids and accountability when companies fail to protect them.”

SPRINGFIELD — Parents and teachers will have a stronger voice in shaping school policies under a new law championed by State Senator Willie Preston and signed by Governor JB Pritzker.

“Strong schools are built on trust, communication and shared responsibility,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This law ensures that parents and educators have a meaningful role in conversations that affect their schools, while also helping create safer learning environments for students and staff. When the people closest to our children have a seat at the table, our schools are better positioned to succeed.”