URBANA – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and his staff will be at the Urbana Free Library, located at 210 W. Green Street, on Thursday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for remote office hours.

“I’m glad to offer remote office hours to the residents of Urbana,” Bennett said. “My staff and I can offer a variety of services, answer your questions, connect you with state resources and much more.”

These office hours serve as an opportunity for residents to speak directly with Bennett’s staff to receive help with casework and other issues at the state level, as well as provide informational resources.

SPRINGFIELD – The achievements and accomplishments of Career and Technical Education programs across the state will be recognized this February, thanks to the help of State Senator Scott Bennett.

Bennett (D-Champaign) championed a measure that declares February Career and Technical Education Month in Illinois.

“CTE incorporates many types of education, from classroom learning to certification programs and work-based learning opportunities outside the classroom,” Bennett said. “I’m proud to dedicate the month of February as CTE Month to highlight the important role it plays in our workforce.”

Approximately 12.5 million high school and college students are enrolled in CTE courses across the country. Advance CTE reports that the high school graduation rate for students who concentrate on CTE is about 90%– 15 percentage points higher than the national average.

DANVILLE – To prevent fatalities on the farm during the busy harvest season, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is joining officials in reminding farmers and farm workers to be cautious when working in and around grain bins.

“Grain handling can expose workers to serious and life threatening hazards,” said Bennett, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Grain Bin Safety Week is a great time to remind our agriculture workers to be cautious, follow procedures and stay up to date on the latest guidelines.”

While essential to Illinois’ harvests, grain handling equipment and storage containers can quickly become dangerous. In 2020, Illinois fire departments responded to a nation-leading 12 rescue incidents at Illinois grain bins and elevators.

SPRINGFIELD – To draw awareness to the importance of soil health protection, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is leading an effort to create a week-long celebration of soil health.

Senate Joint Resolution 44 would create a Soil Health Day and Week celebration to take place March 7 – 11, with Soil Health Day falling on March 9.

“Illinois should be actively raising awareness of the importance of soil health and promoting its stewardship to safeguard this resource for future generations,” said Bennett, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “With this joint resolution, my hope is that we can come together to find ways to educate people on the importance of healthy soil.”

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) visited area long-term care facilities in Danville Monday to deliver Valentine’s Day cards written by students and community members across Vermilion County as part of his card collection drive.  

“It’s been such a joy delivering these heartfelt valentines to our long-term care residents this Valentine’s Day,” Bennett said. “This collection drive was a community effort, and its success is a testament to the compassionate hearts of our neighbors who have been so generous with their time and talents to spread love to these folks this year.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is breaking down barriers for Illinois students seeking a college education with his free textbook incentive legislation that passed committee Tuesday.

“A huge issue that students seeking a college education face today is affordability of course materials,” Bennett said. “By eliminating a significant educational expense for our students staying in-state for college, we are removing a huge financial burden for students and families.”

According to The College Board, the average student budget for college books and supplies during the 2020-2021 academic year was $1,298 at four-year public institutions. A survey conducted by the U.S. PIRG found that 65% of students decided not to buy a textbook because of the cost, and 94% of those students worried it would negatively affect their grade.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is partnering with the Illinois treasurer’s office to bring an I-Cash event to Champaign.

The event will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28 at the Champaign Public Library located at 200 W. Green St. in Champaign.

“Many people who have unclaimed property with the state aren’t aware they’re owed money,” Bennett said. “I’m thrilled to partner with the treasurer’s office to help folks claim property that belongs to them.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following Gov. JB Prtizker’s Budget Address Wednesday, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) expressed his support of the governor’s plans to prioritize students, workers and families. 

“As we continue our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the needs of our colleges and universities must be met,” Bennett said. “The governor’s proposal makes some important commitments to help alleviate the struggle many families face when considering sending their children off to college.”

The governor’s proposal increases funding from $122 million to $601 million for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), which provides financial assistance to Illinois residents who attend approved Illinois colleges. This will help ensure current recipients will continue to qualify and at least 24,000 more students will have access to academic opportunities.