CHICAGO – In an effort to address the ongoing teacher shortage, State Senator Willie Preston joined the Illinois State Board of Education in announcing $7.4 million in funding for grants to help prepare high school students for careers in education.

“Career and technical education programs are vital because they unlock pathways to opportunity and empower our Black communities in underserved neighborhoods, bridging the gap between potential and success,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “With the help of these grants, we can provide practical skills and hands-on experience through these programs.”

SPRINGFIELD – To reduce barriers for Illinoisans trying to access a colonoscopy, State Senator Willie Preston championed a new law requiring all health insurance plans to cover the cost of the procedure when deemed medically necessary.

“Talking openly about colonoscopies can raise awareness and motivate more individuals to get screened,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “With this law, we can further promote early detection and prevention efforts by broadening coverage for the procedure.”

According to data reported from the National Cancer Institute in 2023, colon cancer was responsible for 7.8% of all new cancer cases in the United States and 8.6% of all cancer deaths. The Institute also projected that about 4.1% of the population will be diagnosed with colon cancer at some point during their lifetime based on data collected from 2017 to 2019.

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.”