CHAMPAIGN — With the coronavirus outbreak hitting workers and the economy across the state and country, State Senator Scott Bennett highlighted relief options to help people struggling to pay their student loans that could benefit nearly 140,000 Illinoisans.

“Folks struggling financially during this pandemic should not have to choose between paying their student loan payment and putting food on the table,” said Bennett, a member of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “Borrowers in need of assistance should contact their student loan provider immediately to identify the options that are appropriate to their circumstances.”

Under the initiative, spearheaded by Governor JB Pritzker and Secretary Deborah Hagan of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, people with commercially-owned Federal Family Education Program Loans or privately held student loans who are having a hard time making their payments due to COVID-19 will be eligible for expanded relief.

Borrowers who need assistance are asked to immediately contact their student loan provider to set up a plan.

Relief options are based on a person’s individual needs and include:

• Providing a minimum of 90 days of forbearance,
• Waiving late payment fees,
• Ensuring that no borrower is subject to negative credit reporting,
• Ceasing debt collection lawsuits for 90 days,
• Working with borrower to enroll them in other borrower assistance programs, such as income-based repayment.

If a person is having problems contacting their student loan servicer, they can contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Banking at 217-785-2900 or the attorney general’s student loan helpline at 1-800-455-2456.

CHAMPAIGN – As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, many people continue to have a lot of questions. As a state senator, Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) strives to keep everyone updated with the most helpful and accurate information.

“As we continue to face these difficult and uncertain times, it is vitally important that residents stay informed and, even more importantly, that they get accurate information,” said Bennett. “Our Champaign and Danville offices are ready to answer questions and provide support in accessing state services.”   

Sen. Bennett’s district offices are adhering to the Stay at Home Order, and all staff is working remotely. However, phone calls are forwarded and emails are still being answered.

If people need help identifying an entity to help with unemployment, food, shelter and other topics that can be difficult to navigate, Senator Bennett’s office is happy to help. It can be reached by calling 217-355-5252 or 217-442-5252.

To get the most up-to-date information relating to COVID-19 straight to their inbox, people are encouraged to sign up for Senator Bennett’s newsletter here. The Illinois Senate Democrats also recently rolled out a COVID-19 webpage, which outlines closures, family resources, the governor’s daily briefing and more. To find it, click here.

CHAMPAIGN - To help drivers share the road with farm equipment, Senate Agriculture Chairman Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) urges farmers to use caution when they see a slow moving tractor or other piece of equipment on the road. 

While Illinoisans are staying home to slow the spread of coronavirus, farmers are still performing essential work during the 2020 planting season, which means drivers performing essential travel are sharing the road with more farm machinery. 

“Spring planting is an especially busy time for farmers and that brings additional risks to agriculture workers,” Senator Bennett said. “We’re seeing reduced vehicular traffic right now from the Stay at Home Order, but farmers and motorists are still expected to slow down and be safe, courteous drivers.” 

Visibility is key to road safety. All agricultural vehicles using the public roadways must display the fluorescent orange Slow Moving Vehicle triangle. Additionally, tractors and other self-powered farm vehicles must have proper lighting. According to Illinois law:

• Lighting is required from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise.
• There should be two white lamps on the front of the vehicle, visible from at least 1000 feet to the front of the vehicle.
• There should be two red lamps on the rear of the vehicle, visible from at least 1000 feet to the rear of the vehicle.
• There should be at least one flashing amber signal lamp on the rear of the vehicle, mounted as high as possible and visible from at least 500 feet, which can be used during daylight as well.

Drivers should remember that farm vehicle operators have limited visibility to the rear. Anyone passing such a vehicle needs to use extreme caution. 

Bennett is also reminding farmers to rest, eat and hydrate to stay safe during spring planting so that they can return home safe and sound at the end of each day. 

CHAMPAIGN - To help drivers share the road with farm equipment, Senate Agriculture Chairman Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) urges farmers to use caution when they see a slow moving tractor or other piece of equipment on the road. 

While Illinoisans are staying home to slow the spread of coronavirus, farmers are still performing essential work during the 2020 planting season, which means drivers performing essential travel are sharing the road with more farm machinery. 

“Spring planting is an especially busy time for farmers and that brings additional risks to agriculture workers,” Senator Bennett said. “We’re seeing reduced vehicular traffic right now from the Stay at Home Order, but farmers and motorists are still expected to slow down and be safe, courteous drivers.”

CHAMPAIGN – Area lawmakers and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) will co-host a virtual town hall to share information about coronavirus Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m. 

State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) will join CUPHD experts on Rep. Ammons’ Facebook page to hear questions and concerns related to coronavirus. 

Bennett, Ammons and CUPHD will discuss how Illinois is preparing to handle an outbreak, and various panels will provide educational information as well as answer constituent questions.

CHAMPAIGN - High prescription drug prices and accountability of the pharmaceutical industry topped concerns of Champaign residents during a town hall meeting Monday. 

The meeting was hosted by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), and was cohosted by Protect Our Care Illinois, Champaign County Health Care Consumers, NAACP Champaign County, AARP Illinois and AFSCME. 

Following an informational presentation from Protect Our Care representative Dan Rabbitt, Bennett and Manar opened the floor to Champaign County residents to raise their concerns, share their stories and ask questions about pending legislation in Springfield.