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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CHICAGO – A total of $1 million was awarded to organizations in the 16^th 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 16^th 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.

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 16^th 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 16^th 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 16^th 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.