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.

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.