Preston named Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus

SPRINGFIELD – At a meeting of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus earlier this week, State Senator Willie Preston was elected by his colleagues as the new caucus chair.

"I am deeply humbled and grateful to my colleagues for entrusting me with the honor of serving as Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This is an extraordinary responsibility, and I do not take it lightly. Together, we stand on the shoulders of the trailblazers who came before us, and it is our duty to continue fighting for the progress Black communities deserve.”

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus advocates on behalf of the Black community, ensures inclusion and diversity within legislation, and works diligently to improve the health and social outcomes for Black Illinoisans.

“As chair, my focus will be ensuring that every Black family in Illinois has the tools they need to thrive,” said Preston. “We must continue the work of building a strong and inclusive middle class where families have access to good-paying jobs that provide dignity and stability.”

Read more: Preston named Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus

Peters resolution supports Community Preservation Plan for Promontory Point in Burnham Park

SPRINGFIELD — To support the preservation of Promontory Point, a historic landmark in Burnham Park, State Senator Robert Peters passed a resolution which aims to restore and protect the Point’s historic limestone retaining wall while ensuring public access and ecological sustainability.

“Promontory Point is a valued piece of Chicago’s history and an important public space for residents and visitors alike,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This resolution reflects our commitment to preserving its character while addressing shoreline erosion in a way that respects the community’s voice.”

Promontory Point is a 40-acre, man-made peninsula located at the south end of Burnham Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 and designated a Chicago landmark in 2023, the Point has long been at the center of preservation conversations. A 2002 proposal from the city of Chicago and the Chicago Park District sought to replace its historic limestone components with concrete and stone, sparking community opposition.

Read more: Peters resolution supports Community Preservation Plan for Promontory Point in Burnham Park

Hunter welcomes over $593,000 to protect Lake Michigan shoreline

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter announced six organizations in the 3^rd District will receive over $593,000 through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to protect and manage the Lake Michigan shoreline.

“Our natural spaces are key to the health and prosperity of the city of Chicago,” said Hunter (D-Chicago) “This money reinforces Illinois’ commitment to the city’s waterfront, environment and community.”

Over $1 million in grants were awarded by the Illinois Coastal Management Program for 16 projects spanning the Lake Michigan coastline. The goal of the program is to uplift communities, educational institutions, nonprofits, park districts and forest preserve districts in order to engage local residents in the stewardship and enjoyment of Lake Michigan and neighboring natural spaces.

Read more: Hunter welcomes over $593,000 to protect Lake Michigan shoreline

More people to receive unpaid wages, thanks to Peters

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois workers now have the ability to see if they are owed unpaid wages through the I-CASH website, thanks to advocacy from State Senator Robert Peters and Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

“Let’s be clear: Wage theft is theft. It’s in fact the leading form of theft,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “People deserve as much time as possible to recover their unpaid wages.”

The Illinois Department of Labor recovers back wages when it finds an employer has underpaid workers in violation of state law. Unfortunately for workers, wage theft investigations can take significant amounts of time. Illinois workers can now search the I-CASH website to see if unpaid wages and penalties pursued and collected by the Illinois Department of Labor are waiting for them to claim.

Read more: More people to receive unpaid wages, thanks to Peters