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CHICAGO – A total of $1 million was awarded to organizations in the 16th Senate District to expand construction and building trades in underrepresented populations, State Senator Willie Preston announced Thursday.
“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship program is the exact type of program that our district needs,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “As someone who runs a small construction firm, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial these working-class jobs are to build up our communities.”
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship was created to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. Pre-Apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades.
A total of $13 million for the program’s second year will expand access to the program across the state and will serve up to 1,400 pre-apprentices – a 40% increase from the program’s inaugural year. The Community Development Institute and the Metropolitan Family Services – which are located in the 16th Senate District –will each receive $500,000 as part of the program.
“While the work is far from over, this is an important first step in, literally, rebuilding our communities and giving the younger generation the opportunities they so deserve,” said Preston, “I want to add my sincere thanks to Governor Pritzker and his administration for making expansion of this crucial program a priority.”
More information on the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can be found here.
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CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston is excited to open the doors to his new district office to members of his community for an open house on Saturday, Feb. 4.
“My main priority as senator is to improve the quality of life for residents in my community while bringing forth legislation that betters the state of Illinois as whole,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I am overjoyed to be a leader and voice for the 16th District, and take great pride and honor in the responsibility that has been given to me to provide a better tomorrow for my neighbors.”
Senator Willie Preston’s open house will be held from noon-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 at his district office, located at 8500 S. Pulaski Rd. Chicago, IL 60652.
The open house will provide members of the community with the opportunity to speak with Senator Preston to address issues that are directly affecting their community. As Senator Preston is serving his first term as a State Senator, residents will get the opportunity to get to know him in a personal and professional manner so they can better understand his passion for bettering the community.
“I want members of the 16th District to know that I will fight diligently to make sure that every concern, grievance, and voice is heard and handled with great care and acknowledgement,” said Preston.
As a husband and father of six, he is dedicated to his family just as much as he is to his community. The open house will allow residents to make connections with other members of the 16th District who are passionate about safe and equitable neighborhoods.
Preston strives to keep constituents updated with helpful information and resources, and encourages people to reach out to his office at 773-912-6255 or http://senatorpreston.com/contact-us with questions and concerns.
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Senator Preston sworn in for first term
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) released the following statement after being sworn in to serve the 16th District:
“Serving the people of Illinois is the honor of a lifetime which I hold with great responsibility. I take this Oath of Office with equal parts excitement and humility, and I’m keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead.”
“Today is the first step of an important journey – it’s time to bring back high-paying jobs in the building trades, strengthen our schools, make our residents feel safe, and ensure economic and employment equity exists within our communities. For far too long communities like mine have been left behind, I will use my position to fight tirelessly to give the hard-working people of the 16th District a seat at the table.
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