Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD - Emphasizing the importance of public health, State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other food items sold and produced in Illinois. Given the recent Federal Food and Drug Administration ban on red dye No. 3 and brominated vegetable oil (BVO), Preston intends to amend the bill.

“Illinoisans shouldn’t have to fear that their food is harmful,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Many people don’t even realize what is in their food and we have to put a stop to that.”

Senate Bill 93 in current language would ban the manufacturing of food products containing brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, or red dye No. 3. Additionally, the legislation would prohibit businesses from selling or distributing food products containing these additives.

SPRINGFIELD — Today, legislators and advocates gathered to announce the filing of Senate Bill 74 and House Bill 1224, landmark legislation to reform Illinois’ retainage policies.

“This legislation is about fairness and modernizing our laws to support Illinois contractors,” said State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago), chief sponsor of Senate Bill 74. “Our small businesses and workforce deserve payment practices that reflect the realities of today’s economy.”

The bills aim to end the practice of withholding payments from contractors across the board and instead adopt federal standards that impose retainage only when specific project issues arise. The bills would only apply to state agencies and public universities, not local governments or private developments.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston led legislation through the Senate that would facilitate neutral, good-faith contract negotiations between Chicago Public Schools principals and the Chicago Board of Education when an agreement can’t be reached – without the need for strikes or lockouts that could disrupt students’ education.

“Labor agreements should happen as the result of true, good-faith negotiations,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This plan lays out a fair framework to allow principals in our state’s largest school district to enjoy the same right to a fair bargaining process as other public employees.”

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.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston held a subject matter hearing in the Senate Executive Committee to discuss the need for health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“This bill makes a powerful statement about Illinois’ commitment to accessible and affordable health care,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We are working to remove financial and administrative barriers to those seeking speech therapy services.”

Senate Bill 3972 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.  While current law considers speech therapy a covered habilitative service for those under 19, insurance coverage is clouded by exclusions and limitations of the individual’s policy.

CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston joined the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation, Beverly Area Arts Alliance and Commissioner Stanley Moore Saturday to announce significant state funding secured by Preston to save, renovate and reinvigorate the Pike House.

“This investment not only honors the rich history of our community, but also ensures future generations will have the opportunity to connect with and learn from this important landmark,” said Preston. "I am incredibly grateful to have been able to secure this generous funding to preserve our heritage.”

Preston announced he has secured $1.5 million in state funding to save the historic Pike House.

CHICAGO - Senator Willie Preston commended the Food and Drug Administration for its decision to ban brominated vegetable oil, a harmful food additive that has posed significant health risks to consumers for decades.

"It’s great that the FDA has finally banned brominated vegetable oil, a dangerous additive that has no place in our food,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “However, this is just one step, and we need the FDA to ban other harmful additives such as red dye 3."

Preston is pleased with the steps the FDA has taken, but emphasizes that more action is needed to protect public health, particularly in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing former Secretary of State Jesse White's exceptional public service and enduring contributions to Illinois and its residents, State Senator Willie Preston announced the designation of the state office building located at 115 S. LaSalle St. in Chicago as the “Jesse White State of Illinois Building.”

“Jesse White's legacy is defined by his commitment to public service, his dedication to the community and his remarkable achievements as secretary of state,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Naming this building in his honor is a testament to his tireless efforts and the positive impact he has had on Illinois."

Jesse White, who served as Illinois Secretary of State from 1999-2023, is the longest-serving and first African American to hold the office. He is renowned for his transformative leadership, including the implementation of major advancements in technology and customer service, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the Secretary of State's services.