CHAMPAIGN – After restrictions were lifted for Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan to allow for outdoor dining, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) encourages people to support their local business owners.

“The economic impacts of this pandemic have been devastating to small businesses, especially those in the food service and hospitality industries,” Bennett said. “We have a responsibility to our local businesses to do all we can to get them going again. Now is the time to support our business owners and working people that make our community special.”

Since the first executive order issued on March 21, restaurants and bars had been forced to stop dine-in service to slow the spread of COVID-19. Earlier this month, the governor announced outdoor dining would now be permitted for regions that enter Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan. All four regions entered Phase 3 Friday, May 29.

“It’s critical that we continue to listen to the recommendations of our public health experts so we can continue to progress forward,” Bennett said. “Please be considerate and remember to wear your masks and keep six feet apart while waiting to reserve a table.”

CHAMPAIGN – The state budget for the next fiscal year will increase funding to senior services to help some of the most vulnerable Illinoisans cope during the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Thursday.

“Because seniors are more likely to experience serious consequences if they contract coronavirus, many older adults have had to isolate themselves from friends and family for the past few months,” Bennett said. “This budget gives our seniors the tools to live independently.”

To offer much-needed assistance to struggling seniors during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget provides $201.7 million in additional funding to the Illinois Department on Aging.

This includes $1 billion in support for the Community Care Program, which provides cost-effective alternatives to nursing home placement and helps seniors maintain their independence. As long-term care facilities account for a disproportionate number of COVID-19 deaths across the country, programs that enable older adults to remain at home may save lives.

The funds will also allow the Department on Aging to continue to offer home-delivered meal services and run the Senior HelpLine, which connects older adults and caregivers with local programs and services. In addition, the budget increases funding to Adult Protective Services to expand efforts to prevent abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of older adults.

Area Agencies on Aging will receive an additional $1.2 million to provide community-based services to seniors at a local level.

“While isolation may be a necessary step to keep higher-risk older adults safe during this pandemic, they are not alone,” Bennett said. “I’m pleased to see the state is stepping up to protect vital services for our aging parents, friends and loved ones.”

CHAMPAIGN - State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is confident in the state’s cautious approach to reopen child care centers when the Central Region enters phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan, likely next week.

“As businesses begin reopening and Illinoisans prepare to return to work, child care is a top priority for many families,” Bennett said. “The availability of child care that enables them to go to work is crucial. New guidelines have been put in place for child care centers to plan and prepare for a safe reopening.”

The Stay at Home Order issued on March 20 and amended on April 20 closed all child care programs, later establishing an emergency childcare structure to provide care for essential workers.

Under phase 3 and 4 of the governor’s reopening plan, all child care facilities will be able to open, as long as they create their own reopening plan that keeps both children and staff safe and healthy, and adhere to the guidelines set by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

That plan must include what to do if a child or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, daily symptom checks and a face covering requirement, among other things.

Under the governor’s plan, no more than 10 children will be allowed in a classroom at a time for four weeks. After that, if the center has met proper health, social distancing and sanitation requirements, it will be able to expand to larger group sizes.

Additionally, child care programs that have been open since the start of the Stay at Home Order will be allowed expand capacity as their region enters phase three.

“Reopening child care centers will not only relieve parents when they return to work, but it will also give children access to educational resources in a safe learning environment,” Bennett said.

All regions of the state are on track to move to the next phase as early as May 29.

CHAMPAIGN – As the state is on track to move to Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan May 29, all state parks will be able to reopen, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Thursday.

At a May 20 press briefing, the governor reported all state parks that have not already reopened will be allowed to do so when the state moves to the next phase, and all concession stands at those parks will be permitted to reopen, with safety measures in place.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraged to learn the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has updated its guidance on allowing dental providers to resume routine oral and dental care beginning this week.

“IDPH’s decision to allow dentists to resume routine oral and dental care gives me great optimism and shows the progress we’ve made,” Bennett said. “Dental offices are good at infection control and always have been. I’m confident they will be able to comply with IDPH’s guidelines to ensure patients and staff are safe.”

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased with Gov. JB Pritzker’s decision to withdraw his emergency rule Wednesday, which would have penalized businesses for reopening early.

The rule, which the governor introduced Friday, would allow fines up to $2,500 for businesses caught violating the executive order. Bennett raised his concerns with the emergency rule in a formal letter to the chairs of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) Tuesday.

“Business owners are eager to get back to work under our economic circumstances,” Bennett said. “If the rule had been ennacted, the consequences would have been severe. Even proposing this rule created unnecessary fear for business owners just trying to get by.”

Bennett also emphasized in his letter the need to consult with local officials and the General Assembly before filing these rules. 

JCAR announced in its Wednesday meeting that it would not take action since the emergency rule is already being repealed by the governor.

“With the General Assembly back in session this week, it’s appropriate to continue dealing with this issue through the regular legislative process where my colleagues and I can provide input,” Bennett said.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is calling on Gov. JB Pritzker to take additional steps to mend the state’s failed system for unemployment compensation, which has prevented Illinoisans from receiving any help after losing their jobs in March.

For eight weeks, Illinoisans trying to file for unemployment benefits have jammed the phone lines of the state’s employment services department. Many have been on hold for hours, while others have not been able to make it that far. As weeks turn into months, frustrations are boiling over among laid-off and furloughed workers who have been unable to cut through the system to obtain benefits.

“Even with a new system in place, many people still cannot get through to IDES over the phone or online, and some have not received any payment at all,” Bennett said. “We cannot ask people to stay home if they aren’t receiving the necessary means to put food on the table.”

Bennett has also argued that Champaign and Vermilion counties' current health statistics are under control and the Central Region of the Restore Illinois plan is ready to move to phase 3, which would allow for a safe opening of manufacturers, retail store, barbershops and salons.

Because of the work from residents to help flatten the curve and reduce the spread, Champaign and Vermilion counties have been able to maintain a steady and declining number of new cases of COVID-19. As of Wednesday, Champaign County had 435 positive cases of COVID-19 and 7 deaths, while Vermilion County had 30 positive cases and 1 death.

“Moving forward, I am focused on preparing Illinois communities to safely reopen,” Bennett said. “Until the unemployment system can handle the needs of Illinoisans in an adequate way, I will work toward getting people back to work in a safe and responsible manner to restore livelihoods.”

CHAMPAIGN – A webinar to provide information on grants, loans, and other resources for Asian American small businesses, hosted by representatives from the federal, state, county, and municipal governments will take place Wednesday, May 20. 

State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), a member of the Illinois Asian American Legislative Caucus, will join the Asian American Caucus, the Asian American Executive Network and the Asian American Coalition of Chicago at 11 a.m. to answer questions and share their experiences navigating this pandemic. 

“Our small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the coronavirus outbreak,” Bennett said. “Join this free online webinar Wednesday to learn more about programs that can provide vital economic support to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue during this crisis.” 

To RSVP and to receive the webinar link, please visit https://forms.gle/cmfdnUbQrM8BTw466.

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