DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College (DACC) is set to receive $2.3 million for infrastructure improvements as part of the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Thursday.

“From workforce training to preparing students to advance their higher education, community colleges serve multiple missions,” Bennett said. “During these difficult economic times, I’m pleased to see these funds coming to Danville to support our area community college.”

DACC will use the funds to remodel the Clock Tower Center and for rehabilitation of the Ornamental Horticulture Building, including additions to the greenhouse.

“Investing in vital infrastructure is key to creating good jobs and promoting full economic recovery,” Bennett said. “The state’s investment in DACC will help ensure the college remains strong during these uncertain times.”

In total, the state awarded $103.5 million in grants to 15 community colleges throughout the state through the Rebuild Illinois capital plan. Each community college will also receive an additional $34.5 million in local investments, bringing the total commitment to $138 million.

CHAMPAIGN — In response to the increased need for mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to announce new programs from the Illinois Department of Human Services to support individuals in crisis.

“As the pandemic wears on, people are continuing to face mental health challenges,” Bennett said. “It’s encouraging to see these new programs will be available to people in our community who may need additional support at this time.” 

IDHS introduced three new programs Monday to help Illinoisans struggling with mental health, developed in coordination with community mental health centers and nontraditional service providers across the state.

The first new program, the Living Room Program, is designed specifically for those in need of a crisis respite program to divert crises and break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. It provides a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere where people can calmly process a crisis event while learning how to avoid a future crisis.

The Transitional Living Centers Program is a housing resource for people with mental illnesses who are in need of a place to stay while they work to find permanent housing.

Additionally, the Transitional Community Care and Support Programs offer assistance to current patients of state-operated psychiatric hospitals who are preparing to be discharged. It will include funding for non-traditional supports, such as cell phones, food, clothing, transportation and other resources that are necessary for individuals to succeed as they transition back into communities.

Individuals seeking help from the Living Room Program may be referred by first responders or medical professionals. Participants of the other two programs will be referred by IDHS and other providers. Anyone who thinks they may benefit from these programs should talk to their mental health provider.

For more information and to find additional mental health resources, click here.

CHAMPAIGN - State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding residents to wear face coverings to help slow the spread of coronavirus. 

“You can keep yourself and others around you safe and healthy by wearing a face mask,” Bennett said. “In the grocery store and other places where social distancing may be difficult, wearing a mask can add an extra layer of protection.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), everyone over the age of 2 who can medically tolerate a face covering must wear one in a public place when unable to maintain a safe distance from others. 

Masks should cover your nose and mouth, fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, and include multiple layers of fabric.

“No one is immune to this virus,” Bennett said. “Please continue to follow the health and safety guidelines put in place by the public health experts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.” 

For more guidance on use of masks, Bennett encourages residents to visit the IDPH website at dph.illinois.gov. 

CHAMPAIGN – To ensure parents returning to work can trust their children are in good hands, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is urging child care providers to apply for Child Care Restoration Grants to help their businesses cope with pandemic-related losses. 

“Working parents need child care to do their jobs,” Bennett said. “While child care providers are dealing with the consequences of this crisis, this grant will help them safely reopen after months of financial distress.” 

The Illinois Department of Human Services is distributing $270 million in available funding to assist child care providers across the state with reopening in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Licensed child care providers that meet the eligibility criteria may apply for Child Care Restoration Grants. 

To be eligible for the grant, child care providers must: 

• Have a current license from the Department of Children and Family Services to care for children,
• Be open and caring for children at the time of application,
• Be able to demonstrate a “business interruption” from their pre-COVID capacity, and
• Submit a complete application with all required documents.

Applications are open until Aug. 14. To learn more and apply, child care providers should visit www.inccrra.org/. 

CHAMPAIGN – In an effort to recruit and support future educators, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is excited to announce nine local schools will receive Education Career Pathways Grants from the Illinois State Board of Education.

“Teachers play an important role in our society and have the power to bring about change in a student’s life,” Bennett said. “This grant is an opportunity to support diversity in the teaching workforce, which will contribute to students’ desire to learn and overall performance in the classroom.”

The Education for Employment System #330 in Champaign has been awarded $85,450, which will be distributed to nine high schools in Champaign County to assist these schools in developing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to prepare students for careers in education.

CTE programs help students develop technical and employability skills while strengthening their core academic abilities to enable them to pursue higher education opportunities and succeed in the workforce. Students in CTE programs also have the opportunity to earn dual credit or credentials and certifications from partner institutions before graduating high school.

The programs will place a special focus on recruiting underrepresented students into education careers to help meet the high demand for teachers of color across Illinois.

Nearly $2 million in total funding has been awarded to 11 Education for Employment Systems statewide to recruit and support future educators at 62 high schools and vocational centers across the state. For a full list of grant recipients or to learn more about career and college readiness programs in Illinois, visit www.ISBE.net/CTE.

URBANA – In an effort to help young adults find jobs during the pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) supported the Illinois Department of Human Services’ COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program, which provides employment opportunities for youth in the community.

“Young adults are facing a tough job market because of the pandemic,” Bennett said. “This program is a unique opportunity for young workers to gain valuable work experience during these tough times.”

The state has dedicated $9.3 million to the program to employ low-income youth living in areas most affected by the pandemic.

Urbana Neighborhood Connections is one of 30 youth employment providers and will receive $500,000 to employ 100 youth workers for the next three months. Employees will be matched with work-based learning opportunities based on their age, ability and experience, and will take part in career development training. 

For more information about Urbana Neighborhood Connections program, contact Michelle Turner at 217-898-1019 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHAMPAIGN – Since the COVID-19 crisis began, pandemic-related scams have been on the rise, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is urging residents to stay vigilant so they do not fall victim.

The most recent scam involves potential unemployment debit card fraud. Some Illinoisans have reported receiving a KeyBank debit card and an unemployment letter from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) despite never having applied for unemployment.

“Scammers are attempting to take advantage of this uncertain situation and commit unemployment fraud,” Bennett said. “Ineligible residents who receive an unemployment debit card should report it immediately and make sure their personal information has not been compromised.”

IDES confirmed individuals who have not filed for benefits but received a debit card or unemployment letter could be the target of fraud. Anyone who has received a debit card without filing should contact their local police department and report the incident with IDES. 

CHAMPAIGN – The University of Illinois Willard Airport is set to receive funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Friday.

“Willard Airport is an important economic engine for Champaign County and these funds will be critical to improving the facility,” Bennett said. “Investing in airport infrastructure will enhance safety, create jobs and provide economic benefits to our community.”

A state commitment of $1.55 million to leverage a total investment of $31 million for airport improvements will improve safety and boost capacity in Champaign-Urbana, Quincy and Rockford.

These projects are made possible by $27.9 million in supplemental discretionary funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program, with the Illinois Department of Transportation providing the matching funds to maximize the funding opportunity and accelerate construction.

The University of Illinois – Willard Airport will receive $9.9 million from federal funds, $550,000 state match, and $550,000 local match for runway reconstruction.