CHAMPAIGN – To help high school seniors and adult students stay on track with their college plans amid the pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) supports the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s (ISAC) efforts to assist students in completing financial aid applications.

“It’s vital that students know about and receive the financial aid they’re eligible for, especially during these unprecedented times,” said Bennett, a member of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “As students continue to navigate the pandemic and plan for the future, I’m thrilled to see Illinois leading the way.”

According to the governor’s office, Illinois closed out the year ranking the number-one state for completions of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form most students use to apply for federal and state financial aid for post-secondary education.

CHAMPAIGN – After being closed for more than a month due to a surge of COVID-19 cases, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to see Illinois driver services facilities reopen to the public starting Tuesday, Jan. 5.

“The secretary of state’s office has expanded online services so people can conveniently access these vital services from their homes,” Bennett said. “But I’m still glad to see the secretary of state’s office reopen for those who need to go into a facility, with health and safety precautions in mind.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new law that will prevent pharmaceutical and insurance companies from continuing to excessively profit from Illinoisans suffering from diabetes takes effect Jan. 1, 2021.

Senate Bill 667, pushed by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), made Illinois the second state in the nation to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 per month for all patients using a state regulated insurance plan, regardless of the supply they require. 

“This new law stands up to corporate greed and ensures diabetics are no longer paying exploitative prices for a medication they cannot live without,” Bennett said. “I am eager to work with my colleagues in the upcoming legislative session to continue the fight to reform prescription drug pricing and reduce patients’ out-of-pocket costs.” 

The cap applies to commercial insurance plans regulated by the state and increases annually based on data from the Department of Insurance, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The data will include findings on insulin pricing practices and recommendations to control and prevent overpricing of prescription insulin drugs.

Bennett worked alongside the lead sponsor of the legislation, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), as well as advocacy groups to build a grassroots advocacy campaign to drive this historic legislation through the General Assembly.

CHAMPAIGN – With the 2020 holiday season occurring during a global health pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding residents to celebrate safely over the coming weeks.

“This has been a year of sacrifice to protect those we care about from COVID-19,” Bennett said. “We can’t let our guard down now with the holidays approaching. There is still time to downsize your plans so we can keep folks safe and healthy.”  

The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control still recommend avoiding large groups and staying at home as often as you can, and wearing masks and practicing social distancing if you must go out.

“We all have to do our part during this critical time, and the safest way to spend the holiday is with those in our immediate households,” Bennett said. “Please take this seriously so we can create new memories with all of our loved ones in the New Year.”

DANVILLE – Especially during the winter months, socks are among the most sought-after articles of clothing by people experiencing homelessness, leading State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) to launch a donation drive collecting new socks for shelters across Danville.

“The ongoing pandemic has impacted our community in so many ways and has increased the demand for charitable services,” Bennett said. “With temperatures dropping, I am asking for your help to provide warm socks for our less fortunate neighbors.”

Worn-out or ragged socks put people at serious risk of foot disease and, during the winter months, in severe danger from the cold. As a result, new socks are greatly needed by those experiencing homelessness—but they are the least donated clothing item at homeless shelters.

From Dec. 21 to Jan. 15, community members are encouraged to donate new socks for men, women and children at the collection locations below:

• Scott Bennett’s District Office
  • 201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323, Danville
    • Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Robinson Chiropractic:
    • 3595 N. Vermilion St., Danville
      • Mon, Wed, Fri: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
      • Tues and Thurs: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • 830 S. Dixie Hwy., Hoopeston
      • Mon-Fri: 8 to 12 p.m.; 1:30 to 6 p.m.
    • 111 N. State St., Suite C, Westville
      • Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1:30 to 6 p.m.
      • Tues: 1:30 to 6 p.m.

Bennett reminds those donating to wear a mask in the building and practice social distancing. Collection boxes will be located outside of each office.

Donations will benefit Crosspoint at the Y Homeless Program, Danville Rescue Mission, and Fair Hope Children’s Ministry.

For questions or additional information, contact Sen. Bennett’s office at 217-442-5252 or Robinson Chiropractic at 217-442-2273.

CHAMPAIGN – To help ensure folks stay warm during the cold winter months, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is collecting supplies to benefit C-U at Home. 

“The ongoing public health crisis has left families and neighbors in need of basic items this year,” Bennett said. “I’m confident we can come together as a community and support these people during this incredibly challenging time.” 

C-U at Home is in particular need of new backpacks, hygiene supplies, long underwear and socks. These items are urgently needed to meet the needs for homeless individuals in the community.

“These folks are looking for a helping hand this year to survive the cold winter months,” Bennett said. “Donate today, if you can.” 

Residents are encouraged to drop off donations to the collection box outside of Senator Bennett’s office in Champaign, located at 45 E. University, Suite 206 through Friday, Dec. 18. Bennett reminds those donating to wear a mask in the building and practice social distancing. 

DANVILLE – To expand broadband service in rural communities lacking access, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging local businesses and nonprofits to apply for the second round of Connect Illinois grants.

“Throughout this pandemic we have learned that broadband access is not a luxury – it’s a necessity,” Bennett said. “In order for people living in rural communities to work remotely and for students to learn virtually, it’s critical that organizations serving these areas apply for funding to help overcome the limitations they are currently facing.”

The second round of Connect Illinois grants will award up to $5 million per project and calls for a nonstate matching component, which requires applicants to dedicate funding that will accelerate the delivery of broadband investments. Internet service providers, rural cooperatives, nonprofits and local governments are eligible to apply.

Funding for the Connect Illinois program is made possible through Rebuild Illinois, the state’s historic, bipartisan $45 billion statewide construction program, which has dedicated $420 million to broadband infrastructure.

Applications can be found under “Grant Opportunities” at https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo and will remain open through March 1, 2021.

CHAMPAIGN – Senate Agriculture Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) received the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE) on Friday, Dec. 4 for his support of agricultural education and Future Farmers of America (FFA) student programs. 

“Agriculture plays a significant role in our state’s economy, so it’s important we place a strong emphasis on agriculture education in the General Assembly,” Bennett said. “By embracing programs like FFA and promoting agriculture education, we can instill positive values in students and shape tomorrow’s agricultural leaders.”

Since 1987, the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award has been presented to legislators who advocate for and have been publicly supportive of Illinois agricultural education. According to ILCAE, these legislators understand the importance of the agricultural industry that makes up about a quarter of Illinois’ jobs. They also know the importance of today’s youth understanding the ever-evolving and expanding agricultural industry with the knowledge gained through a current and progressive agricultural education.

The award is named in honor of the late Jim Guilinger, a nationally recognized agricultural education leader and former secretary of the McDonough County Farm Bureau. Guilinger spent 56 years of his life dedicated to agricultural education, constantly seeking out innovative and cutting-edge technology and curriculum for the betterment of his students.

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education that is having such a positive impact on our young people,” Bennett said.