DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging veterans and other job seekers to apply for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s seasonal snow-and-ice removal positions to keep streets clean during the winter months. 

“Winter maintenance crews are essential in keeping traffic moving and making sure people get to their destinations safely, whether that be commuting to work or traveling home for the holidays,” Bennett said. “This is a great opportunity for folks seeking employment during these challenging times, and it’s an especially excellent way for veterans to get their foot in the door.”

Through the department’s annual “snowbird” program, temporary snowplow drivers are hired every year on a full-time and on-call basis. To be considered, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license. A pre-employment physical, vision test, and drug and alcohol screening are also required. 

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience and qualifications. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Interested candidates can find additional information, including details on the application process, pay and the potential for benefits, here. Job postings will be made available the week of Aug. 23.

CHAMPAIGN – A proposal passed by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) requiring pharmaceutical companies to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale was signed into law on Friday by Gov. Pritzker.

“The signing of this legislation establishes truth and transparency for the pharmaceutical industry,” Bennett said. “With this new law on the books, consumers will have the ability to make informed decisions about where to buy their prescriptions.”

SPRINGFIELD – The governor has signed into law a measure sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) that creates a Folds of Honor license plate for families of service members who died in the line of duty.

“Creating a personalized license plate in Illinois is an easy way for people to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and support a terrific organization,” Bennett said. “Under this new law, Folds of Honor will be able to multiply the number of academic scholarships for spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members.”

RANTOUL – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and his staff will be at the Rantoul Public Library, located at 106 W. Flessner Ave., on Wednesday, Aug. 11 from noon to 1 p.m. to kick off his monthly Rantoul office hours.

“The goal of these remote office hours is to give local residents an opportunity to share their concerns and opinions with me, and to ensure state services are easily accessible to everyone,” Bennett said. “I look forward to meeting with everyone who attends.” 

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 Sept. 8 and Oct. 13 in Rantoul. To stay up to date on events Bennett’s office is hosting this fall, residents can visit SenatorBennett.com.

CHAMPAIGN – Illinois community college students with a B-average or better will automatically qualify to transfer to the University of Illinois thanks to an initiative cosponsored by Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“This new law gives students a great reason to stay close to home and offers the U of I the ability to bring hardworking students to campus,” Bennett said. “This allows us to keep Illinois’ best and brightest in the state for their university career, and makes for a smooth transition for community college students.”

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) applauded the signing of legislation aimed to protect Illinois communities from toxic coal ash pollution, ensuring only trained employees work on coal ash removal projects.

“Coal ash, the toxic byproduct of burning coal in a power plant, is extremely dangerous and can leave a lasting impact on the environment, even after a plant has closed,” Bennett said. “I thank Governor Pritzker for signing this legislation to reduce coal’s toxic footprint in Illinois.”

CHAMPAIGN – A new law sponsored by Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) will improve the Illinois Higher Education Savings Program and ultimately help children and families build a meaningful college savings fund.

“For most families, paying for college is not as simple as writing a check each semester,” Bennett said. “This new law is an investment in our youth and will ensure families have the opportunity to build a college savings account for their children.”

In 2019, the Illinois Higher Education Savings Program, established as part of the Illinois treasurer’s existing Bright Start and Bright Directions programs, was signed into law. Under this law, the treasurer will automatically deposit $50 into a college savings account for every child born or adopted in Illinois.

CHAMPAIGN – During National Park and Recreation Month, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is drawing attention to the many benefits of public parks and other natural spaces across Champaign and Vermilion Counties.

“National Parks and Recreation Month is a great time to highlight the beauty of our open spaces,” Bennett said. “We’re fortunate to have a variety of parks in our communities, and the summer months are a great time to visit them and explore.”

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, parks play an important role in maintaining quality of life in a community. Parks provide gathering places for members of a community to interact with each other, host public events and offer recreational programs.

Additionally, parks provide a public place where people can go to keep healthy and fit. A Penn State University study showed that the length of visits to parks has a connection with reductions in stress, lowered blood pressure, and perceived physical health.

Parks also provide an economic benefit to their communities. A review by Texas A&M University found that parks and open space raise nearby property values and increase revenue from tourism. Trees and other growth are also estimated to save cities money in environmental impacts and the effects of storms.

“July is a month to celebrate the wonderful role that parks play in our communities,” Bennett said. “I encourage folks to get active, get outside and visit our parks and facilities.”

Learn more about local parks and public events by visiting the park district websites for Champaign Park District, Kickapoo State Park, Urbana Park District and Vermilion County Conservation District.