CHAMPAIGN – The U.S. Small Business Administration resumed accepting applications to its Paycheck Protection Program last week, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging small business owners to contact participating lenders to apply.

“Small businesses are the foundation of our communities,” Bennett said. “Small businesses that have been hurt or impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic should take advantage as soon as possible.”

The Small Business Administration has extended the application deadline to allow more businesses to apply for a portion of $10 million in aid. Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and may be used to keep people on the payroll and pay overhead expenses. The new deadline to apply for a PPP loan is Aug. 8.

Businesses that need help with the application process can contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, which assists entrepreneurs and companies by providing free and confidential business guidance, training and other resources.

More than 27,000 Illinois businesses have already taken advantage of the loans – saving an estimated 1.36 million jobs – according to the Small Business Administration.

PPP loans have an interest rate of 1% and can be fully forgiven if they are used for eligible costs, including payroll, rent, utilities or interest on mortgages. To find participating lenders, business owners and managers can visit the Small Business Administration’s website here.

CHAMPAIGN – To support the many Illinoisans working and learning from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to announce the Housing Authority of Champaign County has been selected to receive a state grant funding broadband advancements across the community.

“This pandemic has served as a reminder to residents just how crucial broadband access is,” Bennett said. “Many rural areas lack high-speed internet service, but this grant will enhance broadband accessibility and ensure those communities can stay connected.”

The Housing Authority of Champaign is one of 12 organizations to receive a grant from the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Illinois Connected Communities program, created to help build broadband capacity in underserved areas.

In addition to an award of up to $15,000, the 12-month program provides free expert consultation to enable each Illinois Connected Community to complete a plan for expanding broadband that identifies actions to improve internet access in the areas of community and economic development, education, civic engagement, healthcare, agriculture, and more.

The program directs $150,000 in state-funded small grants for community and local government partners to help improve access to high-speed broadband in their communities. The state grants will be matched by $150,000 in philanthropic funds.

These grants will help lay the groundwork for individual communities to play a part in Connect Illinois, a $420 million program to bring basic internet access to all communities by 2024. Connect Illinois contemplates a second round of grants later this year.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to congratulate three area education institutions who received more than $200,000 total in literacy grants to help adult learners develop their reading, math, writing and English-language skills.

“Literacy is fundamental to learning and cannot be taken for granted,” Bennett said. “These programs present a wonderful opportunity for volunteer tutors to help others improve their lives through literacy and education.”

The following education institutions within the 52^nd Illinois Senate District have been chosen to receive grants:

According to the Secretary of State’s office, more than 13,500 students will be served by adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students.

Adult literacy projects focus on improving reading, writing and math and are targeted at Illinois adults who read below the ninth-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.

Bennett urges skilled tutors interested in volunteering to contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 800-321-9511.

CHAMPAIGN – To help people stay informed about their finances amid the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is highlighting free credit reporting websites. 

“Like physical health, financial health is key to leading a stable and secure financial future,” Bennett said. “A consistent focus on a person’s budget and other financial matters will allow them to tackle financial burdens stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Federal law requires each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—to provide a free credit report every 12 months if requested. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these companies are offering free online weekly credit reports through April 2021.

The information in these reports may affect mortgage rates, credit card approvals, apartment requests and job applications. Reviewing credit reports can also help catch signs of identity theft early.

“People can take steps to improve their financial wellbeing by regularly checking their credit report,” Bennett said. “As we continue to navigate this challenging time, I encourage residents to take advantage of free credit services available to review their credit history and manage their finances.”  

To find out more about why credit is important or to request a credit report, visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

CHAMPAIGN - To support dairy farmers and dairy-related businesses with financial and technical support, Senate Agriculture Chairman Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is promoting the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA). 

DBIA, a joint effort coordinated by the Center for Dairy Research and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, was designed to support and promote the diversification and addition of value-added products to the Midwest dairy industry.

Goals of the program include increasing on-farm diversification, creating value-added dairy products, such as specialty cheeses, and focusing on export opportunities for farm-scale and processor dairy products.

“These grants are designed to foster innovation,” Senator Bennett said. “It’s my hope this program can be used to improve the future for dairy farmers and processors.”

The grant application period is now open. Funds totaling $220,000 will be disbursed and awarded with individual projects receiving up to $20,000. The deadline to complete and return applications is Aug. 14. Selected producers and business owners will be notified on Sept. 4.

For questions or additional information, call DBIA at 608-265-1491 or visit https://turbo.cdr.wisc.edu/dairy-business-innovation-alliance/.

CHAMPAIGN – In an effort to be more eco-friendly, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is urging residents to sign up for the secretary of state’s Email Renewal Notice program.  

During the pandemic, facilities expanded their online driver’s services to continue to provide essential services to vehicle owners. Through the Email Renewal Notice program, vehicle owners will receive email notices highlighting the upcoming vehicle expiration date of their vehicle and have a more mobile customer experience. 

“This program is an easy and convenient alternative to paper statements,” Bennett said. “One of the great benefits of this program is to help reduce paper and conserve resources. It’s also one less item with personal information sitting in your mailbox.”

To register for the program, vehicle owners will need their assigned registration ID and PIN, which can be found on their current vehicle registration card. For those who do not have a renewal notice, they are encouraged to call the Public Inquiry Division at 800-252-8980 to obtain their Registration ID and PIN.

For additional information, please visit the secretary of state’s website at https://ilsos.gov/greenmail/.

CHAMPAIGN – A virtual town hall to share information about Phase 4 of the governor’s Restore Illinois plan, hosted by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and a panel of experts, will take place Thursday, June 25.

Bennett and the panel of experts want to hear people’s concerns related to the reopening plan. The panelists will provide information and answer constituent questions on Bennett’s Facebook page at 6 p.m.

“A lot has been learned since the pandemic first started” Bennett said. “All four regions of the state are currently on track to move into Phase 4 on June 26. This town hall is a great opportunity to learn what’s new in this stage of our state’s recovery and get your questions answered.”

Community members can submit their questions during the live broadcast in the comments of the livestream or prior to the event at www.senatorbennett.com/VTH.

Panelists include, Public Health Administrator Julie Pryde of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Dr. Janet Jokola of University of Illinois College of Medicine Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Robert Healy of Carle Adult Medicine and University of Illinois Clinical Associate Professor, and Mike DeLorenzo, the  University of Illinois’ Senior Associate Chancellor for Administration and Operations. 

For questions or additional information, Bennett urges residents to contact his office at 217-355-5252 or visit SenatorBennett.com.

CHAMPAIGN – To celebrate Illinoisans that demonstrate exemplary service to conservation in Illinois, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging area residents to submit a nomination for the Illinois Conservation Foundation’s (ICF) 2020 Outdoor Hall of Fame.

Since 2002, the ICF has recognized people who have records of commendable service and commitments to improving conservation efforts and outdoor recreation opportunities in Illinois.

“Outdoor enthusiasts play a key role in protecting our public lands and the outdoor experiences they provide,” Bennett said. “I encourage residents to nominate a person who has devoted their time, energy and passion for the outdoors in a way that preserves and enhances these spaces for generations to come.” 

Past inductees have led efforts to preserve and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, to protect and restore Illinois’ lakes and rivers, participated on the national and international stages in conservation advocacy, and provided resources for thousands of youth and adults to enjoy fishing, hunting, conservation and safety education.

Nominations must be submitted by July 8, 2020 on the official Hall of Fame Nomination form, which is available at a link on the ICF website: https://ilconservation.org/Who-We-Are/Outdoor-Hall-ofFame. 

For more information, contact the Illinois Conservation Foundation at 217-785-2003 or visit www.ilconservation.org.