DANVILLE – With census response rates in Henning and Rankin at a critical low, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is urging residents in these areas to complete the 2020 Census to ensure their communities aren’t left out of the final count.

“In order to get an accurate count, every resident in our community must respond to the Census,” Bennett said. “For every person we miss, we risk losing out on federal funding for our schools, hospitals and highway construction.”

Across Vermilion County, participation in the 2020 Census is lower than in the 2010 Census. Only 59.3% of Danville residents have completed their census forms this year, as opposed to 68.7% of residents in 2010. In Henning and Rankin, just 54.1% of residents have been counted—a decade ago, 71% of Henning residents and 63.2% of Rankin residents responded.

Residents can complete the census for their household at www.my2020census.gov. Higher self-response rates mean fewer individuals are likely to receive visits from census surveyors to be counted in person. This year, census surveyors are putting their and their families’ health at risk of COVID-19, and limiting visits may mean saving lives.

“We only get this opportunity once every 10 years,” Bennett said. “Help our community by taking a few minutes to make sure you are counted.”

To see local responses rates across Illinois and the entire nation, visit www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us. 

CHAMPAIGN – In an effort to understand and address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local businesses, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) launches district-wide tour of businesses across Vermilion and Champaign Counties.  

“Small businesses are the heart of our community,” Bennett said. “Some businesses are going above and beyond to ensure the health and safety of their staff and customers, so I want to put a spotlight on those businesses that are working hard to create a safe environment.”

Bennett said he hopes to tour restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons. All tours will be in compliance with the state’s public health guidelines and restrictions, including wearing a mask and social distancing. 

Applications are available at http://SenatorBennett.com/SmallBusinessTours. Bennett plans to start the program in the coming weeks and requests businesses to submit requests soon. Once the application is received, a member of Bennett’s team will respond with additional details. 

“The pandemic has taken its toll on small businesses,” Bennett said. “We need to continue to do all that we can to ensure our businesses have the resources they need to be successful.”

With questions, businesses in Champaign County should call Bennett’s Champaign office at 217-355-5252 and Vermilion County business owners should contact his Danville office at 217-442-5252.

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) extended congratulations to five small businesses that have been awarded a combined $100,000 in grants through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“COVID-19 has caused so many challenges and uncertainties for our small business community,” Bennett said. “I’m thrilled these businesses were selected to receive BIG grants so they can keep their doors open during these tough times.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $46 million to 2,655 small businesses in the first round of BIG funding. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, training and new technology.

The following Vermilion County businesses received grants:

• Anytime Fitness, Danville - $20,000
• Danville Family YMCA, Danville - $20,000
• Fujiyama Steakhouse, Danville - $20,000
• Henk’s Bait & Bite, Danville - $20,000
• Lincoln Lanes, Danville - $20,000

To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding. The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) extended congratulations to five small businesses that have been awarded a combined $100,000 in grants through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“COVID-19 has caused so many challenges and uncertainties for our small business community,” Bennett said. “I’m thrilled these businesses were selected to receive BIG grants so they can keep their doors open during these tough times.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $46 million to 2,655 small businesses in the first round of BIG funding. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, training and new technology.

The following Vermilion County businesses received grants:

• Anytime Fitness, Danville - $20,000
• Danville Family YMCA, Danville - $20,000
• Fujiyama Steakhouse, Danville - $20,000
• Henk’s Bait & Bite, Danville - $20,000
• Lincoln Lanes, Danville - $20,000

To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding. The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.

CHAMPAIGN – In a victory for the Champaign-Urbana business community, Business Interruption Grants have been awarded to 50 local businesses severely impacted by the COVID-19 closures, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Thursday.

“Our small business community continues to be hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis,” Bennett said. “These grants offer assistance to businesses at a time they need it most, and hopefully will allow them to get back on their feet.”

Businesses from the Champaign-Urbana area received a combined $910,000 in grants. Grant recipients span a wide range of industries, including restaurants, retail, personal care services and more.

DANVILLE — The Danville Public Library has been chosen to receive a $22,479 grant from the Illinois Secretary of State to help provide technology and mentoring to local young people, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Tuesday.

“Peer mentorship can be extremely important for young people to achieve personal growth,” Bennett said. “This grant will give at-risk youth the tools they need to be successful in life with the guidance and support of a mentor.”

The Danville Public Library received this grant to support Project Next Generation (PNG), a mentoring program established by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to help middle and high school students develop technological skills, achieve success through project-based learning, and gain life skills such as effective communication, goal-setting and conflict resolution.

The secretary of state awarded $559,358 in 2021 PNG grants to 28 public libraries statewide. Grants are awarded to libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations.

Funds were provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is urging motorists to use caution as construction begins on Interstate 72 between White Heath (Exit 169) and Interstate 57 at Champaign (Exits 182A-B). 

“It’s critical that we keep moving forward with road projects to help improve our community’s transportation infrastructure,” Bennett said. “These investments are essential to keeping people safe and giving the economy a much-needed boost.”

The $8.3 million Rebuild Illinois project involves 11 miles of pavement patching and resurfacing and will require lane closures starting Aug. 12, with one lane open in each direction at all times. Weather permitting, work on this project is expected to be complete by the end of November. 

Bennett is warning motorists to expect delays and allow extra time for trips through this area. He is also encouraging motorists to avoid the work area when feasible and consider using alternate routes. Drivers are urged to drive cautiously in and near work zones, and to always buckle up and put phones down. 

“It is important for everyone to do their part to be mindful of workers and improve work zone safety,” Bennett said. “Driving too fast may shave a minute off your travel time, but it could cost a worker their life. Please stay alert in construction zones.” 

To view area construction details, visit IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

CHAMPAIGN – A measure co-sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) that increases public employee benefits, protects retail workers and expands collective bargaining rights was signed into law Friday.

“Front-line workers have put their own wellbeing on the line to provide essential services during this crisis,” Bennett said. “This new law ensures workers are properly protected as we continue to battle COVID-19.”

Certain state employees, including firefighters, law enforcement and paramedics, would be eligible for an additional 60 days of paid disability leave if their injury recovery has been hindered by difficulties accessing treatment due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

To recognize the essential role retail workers have taken on during this public health emergency, battery of a retail worker would be enhanced to aggravated battery if the worker was performing duties like relaying directions for health care or safety. The enhancement would also set in if the act is committed during a declared disaster or state of emergency due to a public health emergency, and for an additional six months after the declaration. 

“Workers do not deserve harassment for enforcing state-issued safety guidelines,” Bennett said. “Expanding legal protections for workers is the right thing to do.”

Senate Bill 471 is effective immediately.