CHICAGO — Summer might be winding down, but the fun is just heating up as State Senator Willie Preston gears up to host his third annual End of Summer Bash to prepare constituents for the back-to-school season.

“As a father of six, I know firsthand how crucial it is to have everything in place before the school year starts,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “From school supplies and physicals to housing support, having these resources easily accessible can make all the difference. That’s why our annual back-to-school fair is such a big deal for me and our families here in the Sweet 16th District.”

The event will be held on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dan Ryan Woods Grove 4, located at 83^rd Street and Western Avenue in Chicago. Food and refreshments will be available at no cost to attendees.

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of over $12 million in safety and preservation improvement projects for Fiscal Year 2025 thanks to smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Willie Preston.

“Many communities in the area have suffered from historic underinvestment, and our infrastructure shows it,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Rebuild Illinois allows us to restore the infrastructure in our neighborhoods while preserving the value of the stories written in the streets.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) released the below statement following the governor’s signature on Illinois’ historic health care reform legislation on Wednesday, House Bill 5395 that he chief co-sponsored in the Senate:

“As a state senator representing a predominantly Black district, I am acutely aware of the unique challenges our communities face in accessing quality health care. Rooted in systemic inequities and socio-economic disparities, these barriers leave many without adequate coverage or facing unaffordable medical expenses.

CHICAGO - Senator Willie Preston today commended the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its decision to ban brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a harmful food additive that has posed significant health risks to consumers for decades. However, Senator Preston emphasized that more action is needed to protect public health, particularly in Illinois.

"It’s great that the FDA has finally banned brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a dangerous additive that has no place in our food. However, this is just one step, and we need the FDA to ban other harmful additives such as red dye 3," said Senator Preston. "In Illinois, we shouldn’t wait and allow people, especially children, to continue consuming these dangerous substances. This is why we need to pass the Illinois Food Safety Act, which I proudly sponsored. The health and safety of our communities depend on it, and we must act now."

The Illinois Food Safety Act aims to remove harmful additives from food products sold within the state, providing greater protection for Illinois residents. By proactively addressing these concerns, the Act seeks to eliminate the dangers posed by substances like red dye 3, which has been linked to various health issues, particularly in children.

Senator Preston’s call to action highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for state-level leadership as we wait for more comprehensive federal regulations.