CHICAGO — State Senator Willie Preston will join elected officials and community leaders from Illinois and Indiana in Washington, D.C. to highlight the impacts of the collective collaboration with the Biden-Harris Administration on communities across his district.

“Working across multiple levels of government and municipalities is crucial in our mission to dismantling systemic barriers for communities that have historically left behind,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I have been a longtime advocate for our trades, and I strive to do everything I can to support our local commerce and provide transformative opportunities for residents in the 16th District.”

As the owner of a small construction firm, Preston recognizes the value in trade careers. With the increasing availability of union jobs thanks to investments from the Biden-Harris Administration, Preston partnered with a local school to transport young adults to workforce centers to apply for career opportunities.

The impact of the Biden-Harris Administration in Preston’s district has been monumental to his efforts in the Senate, including leading legislation to create more successful reentry pathways for returning residents. Under the administration, there have been significant investments in housing units in historically underserved communities. Capitalizing on these investments, Preston led the passage of House Bill 3702 and House Bill 3345 to promote more successful reentry pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals.

“Individuals returning to society often face barriers to gaining access to the resources they need for successful reentry into their communities,” said Preston. “With record-number investments in housing opportunities, I made it a priority of mine to help pave the way for folks’ successful reentry.”

January 23, 2024

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CHICAGO — State Senator Willie Preston introduced new legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other food items sold and produced in Illinois.

“This legislation, in its simplest form, increases food safety for Illinoisans,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “These substances have been used in food for decades, and new evidence shows they can pose serious threats to our health and to the health of our kids.”

Senate Bill 2637 will ban specific, dangerous food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding or selling of food products. These additives include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye no. 3.

CHICAGO – To express love and lift the spirits of local seniors, State Senator Willie Preston is collecting store-bought or handmade cards to deliver to senior facilities on Valentine’s Day.

“Our older residents are the pillars of our communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I encourage families, students, community members and anyone able to send in or make a valentine to help spread love to our older neighbors.”

Preston’s office will collect Valentine’s Day cards from now until Friday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. The cards will then be donated to local senior facilities across the 16th Senate District.

People wishing to participate can drop off cards at Preston’s district office or mail them to 8500 Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60652.

For questions, people can call Preston’s office at 773-912-6255.