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.

SPRINGFIELD – Emphasizing the critical need for improved access to colonoscopy screenings, State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation to facilitate the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.

“By making these screenings more accessible, we offer individuals the opportunity to detect and address health concerns early on, minimizing the risk of serious complications down the road,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The peace of mind that comes with being confident that your insurance covers preventative care is not just a luxury — it is a fundamental right that Illinoisans will have by expanding access to these screenings.”

According to data reported from the National Cancer Institute in 2023, colon cancer was responsible for 7.8% of all new cancer cases in the United States and 8.6% of all cancer deaths. The Institute also projected that about 4.1% of the population will be diagnosed with colon cancer at some point during their lifetime based on data collected from 2017 to 2019.

SPRINGFIELD – Celebrating the vibrant role parks play in enhancing our communities, State Senator Willie Preston welcomed the Oak Lawn Park District to the Capitol for Parks Day this week.

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome constituents from the Sweet 16th District to the Capitol,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The parks in our district play a huge role in community engagement, giving youth and their families a place to come together to socialize in a safe and accessible place.”

Illinois Parks Day is an annual celebration of the green spaces that form the heart of our neighborhoods across Illinois. Over 50 organizations across the state gathered in the Capitol on Tuesday, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about park services, including park districts, forest preserves, and conservation and recreation agencies.

SPRINGFIELD – Emphasizing the critical need for improved access to colonoscopy screenings, State Senator Willie Preston joined State Representative Cyril Nichols at a press conference Wednesday to highlight a new measure, House Bill 2385, that would facilitate the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.

“Discussing colonoscopies may not be the easiest conversation to have, but it's a vital one, especially for Black men,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Increasing access to colonoscopy screenings empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being and provides peace of mind through preventative care.”

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, yet it is highly preventable through early detection and removal of precancerous polyps. During the press conference, speakers emphasized the significance of regular screenings for individuals, especially Black men over the age of 39, as well as those with a family history of the disease or other risk factors.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other food items sold and produced in Illinois.

“The FDA has failed to take action on this pressing issue,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Safer alternatives are already being used in the EU and other places. We need to make sure that safer choices are available to families in Illinois and hopefully, other states will follow so all consumers have access to the healthiest options.”

Over the last few decades, studies show that the number of chemicals being added to foods is steadily increasing and are linked to heightened health risks.

SPRINGFIELD – In a landmark decision to prioritize the health and well-being of Illinoisans, State Senator Willie Preston joined fellow lawmakers at a press conference Wednesday to highlight his legislation to ban the use of four harmful food additives.

“There are a number of growing concerns about the negative effects and associated health risks of certain food additives,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The ban in Illinois not only protects public health but also emphasizes our commitment to transparency and accountability. By focusing on consumer safety and offering clear directives to food manufacturers, we build trust and confidence among residents in the products they consume.”

Senate Bill 2637, 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 brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3.

SPRINGFIELD — To diversify the state’s pool of law enforcement officers, State Senator Willie Preston is leading legislation to prohibit the use of credit history in police hiring decisions.

“An applicant's poor credit history should not preclude that person from becoming a police officer,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “If we want to address the decrease in officers applying and diversify our law enforcement, we have to remove these outdated, classist policies.”

Senate Bill 2608 would prohibit police departments across Illinois from denying employment and promotions based on someone’s credit. Looking at the Chicago Police Department alone, data shows that only 20% of the force is Black.

CHICAGO — State Senator Willie Preston  advanced new legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other food items sold and produced in Illinois.

“People should be able to trust that the food they buy is safe,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “As a father, it really concerns me that some of my family’s favorite food items have harmful chemicals in them.”

Senate Bill 2637 will ban specific, dangerous food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding or selling of food products. These additives include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye no. 3.