SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support higher education students across Illinois took effect Jan. 1.

“I have always prioritized education during my time in the Senate, and I believe people will need higher education and job training more than ever after this pandemic,” State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, said. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work the General Assembly accomplished this past year to help students flourish in Illinois.”

CHAMPAIGN – To lift up area residents in need of a helping hand, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is hosting a collection drive to benefit the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Champaign during January.

“Organizations like the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen continue to need our support during these challenging times,” Bennett said. “I’m spearheading this hygiene product drive to help replenish the stock at the soup kitchen and ensure no one goes without proper hygiene products during the winter months.”

Bennett’s office is collecting new products including deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, hand lotion, hand warmers, chapstick, gloves, hats, socks, scarves and small treats. Hygiene items can be dropped off at Bennett’s district office located at 45 E. University Ave., Suite 206 in Champaign.

CHAMPAIGN – Starting Jan. 1, pharmaceutical companies are required to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale, thanks to State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Drug price transparency plays a key role in reducing the rising prices of prescription medications,” Bennett said. “People have the right to know which payment method – insurance or cash – would provide the most savings when purchasing their prescriptions.”

URBANA – In an effort to meet the current demand for blood donations in Champaign and Vermilion Counties, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is partnering with ImpactLife to host community blood drives in Urbana and Danville this January.

“Blood donations continue to be essential to the health of people in our community,” Bennett said. “There is a critical need for blood donations from healthy individuals, and this weeklong event will be a safe opportunity to help strengthen our blood supply.”  

The blood drives will take place Monday, Jan. 3 through Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Urbana Donor Center, located at 1408 W. University Ave. in Urbana, and the Danville Elks Donor Center, located at 300 E. Liberty Lane in Danville. Donation hours at the Urbana location can be found here, and Danville here.

Donor centers are following recommendations from local, state and federal health agencies to keep staff, volunteers and donors safe. Appointments and masks will be required, and chairs in all areas will be at least six feet apart.

Healthy and eligible candidates can schedule an appointment to donate in Urbana or Danville at https://ilsendems.co/DanvilleBloodDrive. All presenting donors will receive their choice of a long sleeve T-shirt or a $10 gift card to a location of their choice.

For more information, Bennett urges residents to contact his Champaign office at 217-355-5252. Those with questions can also visit his website, SenatorBennett.com.

DANVILLE – To help folks stay warm during the cold winter months, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and Robinson Chiropractic are collecting socks to benefit area shelters through Thursday, Dec. 23.

“The holidays are a time when we tend to be thinking of people that are in need in our community,” Bennett said. “I encourage people to consider helping folks in our shelters by donating a pair of new socks to help them keep warm.”

Worn-out or ragged socks put people at serious risk of foot disease and, during the winter months, in severe danger from the cold. As a result, new socks are greatly needed by those experiencing homelessness — but they are the least donated clothing item at homeless shelters.

Community members are encouraged to donate brand new socks for men, women and children at the collection locations below:

• Bennett’s District Office located at 201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323 in Danville
  • Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Robinson Chiropractic located at 3595 N. Vermilion St. in Danville
  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Thursday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Robinson Chiropractic located at 111 N. State St., Suite C in Westville
  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8 a.m. to noon; 1:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 1:30-6 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. to noon

Collection boxes will be located outside of each office and donations will benefit Crosspoint at the Y Homeless Program, Danville Rescue Mission and Fair Hope Children’s Ministry.

For questions or additional information, contact Bennett’s office at 217-442-5252 or Robinson Chiropractic at 217-442-2273.

CHAMPAIGN – Students will be protected from grooming and other sexual misconduct under a new law signed today, the result of legislation by Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Children should be able to turn to their teachers when there’s a problem and trust that their teacher is acting in their best interests,” said Bennett. “This legislation is a tremendous step forward in ensuring educators are equipped to protect our children from abuse.” 

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced a combined $945,000 investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Vermilion Regional Airport and Rantoul National Aviation Center on Friday.

“Our airports play a vital role in building for our future and strengthening our regional economy,” Bennett said. “These funds will allow the smaller airports in our community to make much-needed repairs, modernize their facilities and attract more passengers.”

Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of the airport to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Vermilion Regional Airport is set to receive $315,000 to reconstruct the airport entrance road and $450,000 to upgrade the airport perimeter fence. The Rantoul National Aviation Center is set to receive $180,000 to acquire airport snow removal equipment.

“I’m pleased that the state is investing in our local airports,” Bennett said. “Having reliable and safe air service is crucial for tourism, commerce and economic development in our region.” 

A full list of recipients can be viewed by going to https://idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.

CHAMPAIGN – The holiday season is here, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding Champaign and Vermilion County residents to keep their dollars in the community by shopping and buying local on Small Business Saturday – Saturday, Nov. 27. 

“Small businesses have been hit particularly hard over the past two years,” Bennett said. “It’s important we show them the community is here to help and support our local shops in any way possible.”

Bennett reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Bennett added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying gift cards.

“Whether it’s in-person or online, take time this Saturday, Nov. 27, and during the holiday shopping season, to shop at small businesses in our community and encourage your friends and family to do the same,” Bennett said.

Additionally, if money is tight due to the financial concerns relating to the pandemic, people can follow their social media, recommend them to friends and leave positive reviews.