SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston is leading legislation to provide formerly incarcerated individuals resources to acclimate the person to life outside of a correctional facility.

“By providing resources to formerly incarcerated individuals, we are giving them a chance to succeed, empower and uplift their communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We must treat all Illinoisans with respect and give them a chance to succeed regardless of their background.”

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Willie Preston passed a measure through the Senate Licensed Activities Committee to expand implicit bias training for health care workers in Illinois.

“Having implicit bias training in our health care system is essential as Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related cause of deaths than white women,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We must protect the maternal health of every women in our state.”

CHICAGO – Following the recent announcement of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration to phase out eight artificial dyes, State Senator Willie Preston announced his support for the decision and highlighted his efforts to remove harmful food additives that have been linked to dangerous health issues.

“Today’s announcement by the HHS and FDA to phase out artificial dyes in America is long overdue. I applaud them for taking this bold yet pragmatic step,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The health of Americans — especially our children — must rise above corporate profits and political gamesmanship.”

The eight petroleum-based artificial colors being phased out include Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Orange B, Citrus Red No. 2, Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6. These are found in products such as cereal, ice cream, snacks, yogurts, and more.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Willie Preston passed a measure through the Senate that would ban harmful food additives in products sold in Illinois.

“This legislation emphasizes the importance of consumer protection across our state,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We must ensure that we prioritize keeping children and families safe from toxic chemicals and making sure they are informed and have access to safer alternative options.”

Under Preston’s measure, the manufacturing of food products containing potassium bromate or propylparaben would be banned. Additionally, the legislation would prohibit businesses from selling or distributing food products containing these additives.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston passed a measure to require health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“In Illinois, we are committed to providing topnotch health care for all individuals,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This legislation grants those from all financial backgrounds with an equal opportunity to receive speech therapy services. It also gives them confidence, relief, encouragement, and support.”

Senate Bill 40 would expand coverage for speech therapy to include rehabilitative services in addition to habilitative services for any child under 19 years of age with an early-acquired disorder that is diagnosed as a speech-language disorder, including stuttering.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation to require health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“In Illinois, we are committed to accessible and affordable health care,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This legislation removes financial barriers for those seeking speech therapy services. It gives them the opportunity to access necessary services, financial relief, encouragement, and support.”

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Willie Preston along with fellow legislators and advocates gathered to emphasize the importance of requiring health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“I am dedicated to providing essential speech therapy services to all Illinoisans across the state regardless of their economic status, “said Preston (D-Chicago). “It not only will benefit their speech, but it will also help build their confidence.”

Senate Bill 40 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering for those covered by private or public insurance plans.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate Public Health Committee’s approval of Senate Bill 93, State Senator Willie Preston joined fellow lawmakers and advocates at a press conference Wednesday to highlight his legislation to ban the use of harmful food additives.

“Consumers in Illinois should have full faith and trust in the foods and products they are consuming,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Right now, Illinoisans are consuming harmful products without realizing it. We must focus on consumer safety and offer clear directives to food manufactures in order to keep all of Illinois healthy.”

Senate Bill 93, better known as the Illinois Food Safety Act,  would ban specific, dangerous food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding or selling of food products. These additives include potassium bromate and propylparaben.