RANTOUL – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event, sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office. 

“The secretary of state’s mobile unit is a one-stop shop to help people utilize these important state services,” Bennett said. “I encourage folks to take advantage of this safe and convenient way to renew their driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations next month.”

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers. Attendees must wear face coverings, and social distancing rules must be followed.

Bennett reminds residents that REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit. The deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended to May 3, 2023.

In addition, Bennett invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran’s designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or NAF 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, residents can call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

With questions or for additional information, residents can contact Bennett’s office at 217-355-5252 or visit SenatorBennett.com.

WHO:                   State Senator Scott Bennett and Secretary of State Jesse White’s office

WHAT:                 Secretary of state mobile unit event  

                WHEN:                 Tuesday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.        

WHERE:               Rantoul Public Library

                                106 W. Flessner Ave. in Rantoul

CHAMPAIGN – In an effort to help local businesses take advantage of Back to Business (B2B) grants, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) has teamed up with the Small Business Development Center at Champaign County Economic Development Corporation to hold open office hours for those needing assistance with their applications.

“The B2B grant program is essential for our small business community, who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bennett said. “The Champaign Small Business Development Center and I are committed to helping these businesses get back on track—if you have questions about the application process, stop by our open office hours to get the assistance you need.”

The B2B program, administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will award eligible small businesses one-time grants of up to $150,000 to cover operation costs, staff payroll and other expenses in an effort to make up for losses sustained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $250 million will be distributed.

Bennett and the SBDC will be available to answer questions, provide technical assistance, scan required documents and more at the SBDC office, located at 1817 S. Neil St., Suite 100 in Champaign, at the following dates and times:

• Thursday, Sept. 16 from 8 to 10 a.m.
• Friday, Sept. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 20 from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 3 to 5 p.m.

To offer even more opportunities for businesses to get help with their applications, Bennett and the SBDC will also offer these services in the Launch at the Library business center at Champaign Public Library, located at 200 W. Green St., on Wednesday, Sept. 22 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The business center regularly offers a walk-in coworking space, seminars, meeting rooms, and other resources for current and prospective business owners.

"We're grateful for the launch of the Back 2 Business Grant program, a crucial investment by the state of Illinois to support small businesses and accelerate business recovery to rebuild our economy post-pandemic," said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “As one of thirteen Community Navigator hubs across the state of Illinois, we’ve been working to provide technical assistance to businesses in the application process. We’re thankful for State Senator Scott Bennett’s partnership with us to host these open office hours as we work to expand outreach and ensure eligible small businesses and non-profits apply for this grant.” 

Applications to the B2B program are now being accepted, and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis through Wednesday, Oct. 13. With questions or for additional information about Bennett’s open office hours, residents are encouraged to contact Bennett’s Champaign office at 217-355-5252 or visit SenatorBennett.com.

CHAMPAIGN – As students return to campus for the fall semester, Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is joining the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the National Fire Protection Association to offer tips to students to help prevent common campus fires and reduce fire hazards.

“With students returning to campus after being home for much of last year, and many of them being on their own for the first time, it’s extremely important for them to review fire safety tips to learn how to prevent fires,” Bennett said. “The more prepared students are, the better we can reduce fire risk.”

CHAMPAIGN – This Labor Day weekend, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is echoing law enforcement to spread the word of the dangers of drinking and driving.

“Drinking and driving under the influence is senseless behavior and can cost a life,” Bennett said. “These types of tragedies are preventable, and we don’t want to lose anyone this year.”

The high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign runs now through the early morning hours of Sept. 7. During this period, motorists in Champaign County, Vermilion County and across the state can expect to see stepped-up impaired driving patrols and seat belt enforcement, particularly at night, when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest. Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) supported a groundbreaking piece of legislation Wednesday that would establish Illinois as a national leader in the clean energy sector while preserving and creating jobs throughout the state. 

“With the passage of this comprehensive legislation, we are preserving jobs and putting people to work, all while building a cleaner, healthier, more stable environment we all deserve,” Bennett said.

CHAMPAIGN – New accountability standards for private loan companies will soon be in place across the state, helping students make more informed choices about the loans they take out to pay for college, thanks to a measure led by Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“This new law requires private loan companies to help students better understand the type and amount of grants and loans they qualify for,” Bennett said. “This law also gives students the necessary resources to see how college costs could impact their loan payments down the road and ensure they understand what their student borrowing really means.”

RANTOUL – In an effort to be more accessible to the community, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and his staff will be at the Rantoul Public Library, located at 106 W. Flessner Ave., on Wednesday, Sept. 8 from noon to 1 p.m. for his monthly Rantoul office hours.

“I’m glad to offer remote office hours to the residents of Rantoul,” Bennett said. “My staff and I can offer a variety of services, like help with unemployment claims, FOID cards, state resources and much more. I encourage folks to stop by over their lunch hour.”

Bennett’s staff will host regular office hours in Rantoul the second Wednesday of every month to meet with community members and assist with state and local services.

These office hours serve as an opportunity for constituents to speak directly with Bennett’s staff to receive help with casework and other issues at the state level.

Bennett will also host office hours on Oct. 13 in Rantoul. To stay up to date on events Bennett’s office is hosting this fall, residents can visit SenatorBennett.com.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) joined local officials and community leaders in Champaign Monday to announce two important developments in the Champaign-Urbana community, including an investment in campus improvements at the University of Illinois and a major transportation infrastructure project made possible by the Rebuild Illinois program.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) will receive $140 million in state funds, matched by $52 million in non-state funding for a total investment of $192 million. The funds will be used to construct a new, world-class facility and make large-scale renovations and updates to centrally located buildings.