DANVILLE – With Halloween only days away, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is urging drivers and adults to take extra precautions this year to keep everyone safe.

“While Halloween celebrations may be different this year, it’s still important to plan for a sober ride home, especially while children are trick-or-treating in the dark,” Bennett said. “If your Halloween festivities are going to involve alcohol, plan ahead.”

SPRINGFIELD – Area farmers who need someone to talk to about the everyday stresses of farming and pandemic-related challenges now have a new resource. A new helpline (1-833-FARM-SOS) will connect farmers to health professionals and services through the Farm Family Resource Initiative.

In addition to the helpline, the initiative offers ongoing outreach, education and training to rural partners working to improve the health and safety of farm families. Free webinars and trainings on psychological signs of stress and Mental Health First Aid offer program participants skill-building tools to meet the needs of rural clients and farmers.

“Small farms are the core of our state’s economy, and farmers are on the front lines to provide food for our communities. The reality of this pandemic is that a new layer of stress has been put on farmers and farm families,” said Senator Scott Bennett. “The Farm Family Resource Initiative and helpline will give farmers additional support to help folks recognize and navigate these times.”

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is partnering with Walgreens to host a community flu shot clinic in the back lot of the Illinois Terminal on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 3 to 6 p.m.

“This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s extremely important to protect yourself from the flu,” Bennett said. “Increasing the number of people who are vaccinated can help reduce the number of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths. By pulling together, we can lessen the strain on our hospitals and health care workers this flu season and save lives.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) will hold a joint press conference with state and community leaders to announce a new hotline that will connect farmers to health professionals and services through the Farm Family Resource Initiative.

“Small farms are the core of our state’s economy, and farmers are on the front lines to provide food for our communities. The reality of this pandemic is that a new layer of stress has been put on farmers and farm families,” said Bennett. “The Farm Family Resource Initiative and new helpline will give farmers additional support to help folks recognize and navigate these times.”

At the press conference, Bennett will be joined by Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II, Southern Illinois University System President Dr. Daniel Mahony, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Dean & Provost Dr. Jerry Kruse, Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert Jr. and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.

DANVILLE – To provide every Illinoisan fair and equal access to the internet, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging organizations in rural areas to apply for $50 million in available funding through the second round of the Connect Illinois broadband expansion program.

“Access to a high-speed internet connection is essential for people’s ability to work, learn and carry out business,” Bennett said. “Rural residents deserve a better approach to broadband—I encourage eligible applicants to apply for this next round of grants.” 

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

Residents across Vermilion County experience slower-than-average internet speeds: In Tilton and Westville, connection speeds are nearly one-third slower than the state average, and in Catlin and Rantoul, downloads take about twice as long.

“During the pandemic, the lack of broadband access has been particularly challenging for those trying to work and learn from home,” Bennett said. “Vermilion County residents have especially faced these barriers – It’s time to close the digital divide.”

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.

The application for this round of grants will remain open through February 2021. More information on the program can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

CHAMPAIGN – To help reduce the spread of flu this winter, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is hosting drive-up flu shot clinics in Champaign, Danville and Rantoul.

“This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s extremely important to protect yourself from the flu,” Bennett said. “These clinics will give residents of the 52nd District the opportunity to safely and conveniently get their flu shot.”

CHAMPAIGN – With National Move Over Day set for Saturday, Oct. 17, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding drivers to move over and slow down when approaching stopped emergency responders, tow trucks, utility, public works, county highway, or maintenance vehicles with warning lights flashing.

“Safety zones are set up to protect men and women working at the scene, but it’s up to drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel to prevent roadway fatalities,” Bennett said. “To prevent more tragic losses of emergency responders and highway workers, stay alert and move over for workers.”

DANVILLE - In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging residents to nominate local female business owners to recognize for their leadership and service to residents.

“October is a month to celebrate and applaud the contributions and successes of female entrepreneurs,” Bennett said. “I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the talented, dedicated and driven women that help make our community great.”