CHICAGO – Today, Senator Willie Preston of the 16th District, released a statement condemning the actions of the Tennessee General Assembly for their treatment of the so-called “Tennessee Three” and their expulsion of two Black State Representatives after they stood up for stronger gun control in the wake of yet another senseless school shooting:

“In the strongest possible terms, I denounce and condemn the Tennessee General Assembly for their un-American, un-democratic, and openly ignorant decision,” stated Senator Preston (D-Chicago), “I stand behind Reps. Justin Jones, Gloria Johnson, and Justin Pearson with my full support - as should all even-minded people across the country.”

“It sickens me to see two young, Black men removed from their duly elected office for standing up for what they believe in. As the only Black man newly elected to the Illinois General Assembly, this egregious act was particularly alarming to me. The Republican Supermajority in Tennessee is trampling over the rights of these young leaders and the voices of their constituents who democratically elected them.

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the current archaic testing and promotion procedure for Chicago firefighters, State Senator Willie Preston passed a measure today to streamline the process and ensure a more equitable system.

“The brave firemen and women of Chicago risk their lives to protect their community every day,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I’m happy to give back to those who serve by improving this tedious process.”

Under Senate Bill 1707, which was passed in the Senate today, Chicago firefighters would no longer be exempt from the Fire Department Promotion Act – changing the current promotion process for Chicago firefighters. The purpose of the measure is to create a more standardized process of promotions to align with every other fire department in the state where the Fire Department Promotion Act has worked.

The Fire Department Promotion Act oversees the promotion process for firefighters. It requires fire departments to prepare a promotion list, which determines an employee's position in line for a promotion. A person’s position on the list is determined by a number of factors including the score on a written test, a person’s seniority, and a person’s score on a subjective evaluation. This measure will particularly help Black firefighters who have long proposed changes to the old system.

CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston announced that Hickory Hills Park District and Oak Lawn Park District in the 16^th Senate District are set to receive over $840,000 through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants program.

“The parks in our neighborhoods establish a sense of community, serve as a safe haven, and beautify our area” said Willie Preston (D-Chicago). “Providing crucial funding to local parks allows individuals the opportunity to engage in physical activity free of charge, which can ultimately lead to a better quality of life.”

A total of $60 million in state grants are being awarded for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants represent the largest round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants in the 36-year history of the program.

The Oak Lawn Park District will receive $600,000, while the Hickory Hill Park District is set to receive $241,000 to rehabilitate and develop land for public parks and open space. OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois.

“Improving the infrastructure of local parks in Illinois is a crucial step in rebuilding our communities, protecting green space, and encouraging healthy activities.” Added Preston, “I look forward to seeing all the work the Department of Natural Resources will continue to put in to ensure these essential areas stay beautified, safe, and secure for all to enjoy.”

For more information on OSLAD grants, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

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SPRINGFIELD – In tandem with a number of Chicago firefighters, State Senator Willie Preston outlined his plan to standardize their promotion process at a press conference Wednesday.

“Chicago firefighters put their lives on the line each day and deserve the same career opportunities as other firefighters,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “It’s time we step up and put forth a standard and fair system for these brave men and women.”

Under Senate Bill 1707, Chicago firefighters would no longer be exempt from the Fire Department Promotion Act – changing the current promotion process for Chicago firefighters. The purpose of the measure is to create a more standardized process of promotions to align with every other fire department in the state were the Fire Department Promotion Act has worked.

The Fire Department Promotion Act oversees the promotion process for firefighters. It requires fire departments to prepare a promotion list, which determines employee’s position in line for a promotion. A person’s position on the list is determined by a number of factors including the score on a written test, a person’s seniority, and a person’s score on a subjective evaluation. Physical criteria is barred from being used in the promotion process.

“For 40 years the men and women of the Chicago Fire Department have suffered through an archaic testing and promotional process that helps no one. The result has been a system that plays with the careers of Chicago Firefighters, infesting the department with politics and weakening the leadership and readiness of Chicago’s Fire Service,” said Joe Senorski of Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2. “It’s time to Put First Responders First and put an end to the city’s decades long history of playing politics with the careers of the men and women of the Chicago Fire Department. We commend Senator Preston and the Illinois Senate for their leadership on our behalf.”

Senate Bill 1707 passed the Senate Labor Committee Wednesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

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