CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to congratulate the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on receiving a $50,000 grant to improve its internet access and speeds.

The funding is part of the state's Regional Engagement for Adoption and Digital Equity program, which looks to expand digital access to communities throughout Illinois.

“High speed internet is a necessity for economic growth and our ability to help bridge the digital divide,” Bennett said. “This investment will give us the ability to deliver a high-quality education and give the U of I the opportunity to make a huge difference in our community.”

The inaugural READY program has $200,000 already awarded to four regional entities to accelerate progress in eliminating the digital divide. The program is meant to fuel local efforts to increase digital equity for homeowners and citizens who lack access to high-speed internet.

The READY grantees may use funds to expand immediate broadband connectivity, conduct outreach and engagement to identify current digital inequities, and establish next steps toward creating a digital inclusion ecosystem. More information on the broadband access grants is available on the DCEO website.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to see Fitch Ratings has revised its outlook on Illinois’ General Obligation bonds from negative to positive, a direct result of responsible spending.

“I’m glad to see Fitch Ratings raise Illinois’ financial outlook and this is a sign that the actions we’ve been taking are fiscally responsible,” Bennett said. “We have worked hard over the past couple of years to put Illinois on a path toward fiscal responsibility.”

Fitch’s is the third ratings agency to upgrade the state’s forecast, in addition to Standard and Poor’s, and Moody’s.

WESTVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to announce the Westville Area Fire Protection District will receive funding through the Small Equipment Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal for equipment upgrades.

“First responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” Bennett said. “This equipment grant comes at a critical time for this fire department and will allow them to replace outdated gear that no longer meets current standards.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established by OSFM to provide grants of up to $26,000 to support small firefighting and ambulance equipment purchases. A total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments and EMS providers across the state through the program.

The Westville AFPD will receive $26,000.

“Departments have had to make tough financial decisions, especially this year during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “The Small Equipment Grant Program helps reduce the burden on smaller departments/districts while replacing aging and sometimes failing small equipment.”

A complete list of recipients and awards can be found on the OSFM website.

CHAMPAIGN — To prevent the “summer slide,” State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign is launching a Summer Reading Club for children and young people who live in the 52^nd State Senate District.

Bennett is launching the club to counteract summer learning loss, which occurs when students “turn off their brains” during the summer months.

“Children of all ages can greatly benefit from a summer reading program,” Bennett said. “In fact, keeping kids engaged in books while they’re young will boost lifelong learning and ensure they are prepared for the next school year.”  

Studies indicate that 2 months of reading skills and 2 ½ months of math skills are lost over a single summer.

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books and return the form to Bennett’s office by Aug. 11. Everyone who completes the summer reading club will receive a gift card and certificate from Senator Bennett.  

“Reading through the summer months keeps young minds engaged,” Bennett said. “This program will encourage our youth to get into a reading routine and stay sharp for the school year ahead.”

To receive a book club form, visit SenatorBennett.com to download and print the form. Parents can also call Bennett’s Champaign office at 217-355-5252 or Danville office at 217-442-5252 to request a copy by mail.

Bennett urges interested residents to call his office with any additional questions.

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) invites Vermilion County residents to participate in a town hall meeting about the spring legislative session.  

“This town hall will give residents the opportunity to get a recap of the spring legislative session and discuss new laws that might benefit the community,” Bennett said. “It’s important to me to maintain an open dialogue with my constituents about what I am doing to represent them in Springfield.” 

Those unable to attend the meeting can still share their thoughts by contacting Bennett’s Danville office at 217-442-5252.

To stay up to date on events Senator Bennett’s office is hosting this summer, he urges residents to visit SenatorBennett.com.

WHAT:                 Danville town hall on spring legislative session

WHEN:                Wednesday, June 2 at 6 p.m.  

WHERE:             Danville Area Community College, Bremer Theater

                           2000 E. Main St., Danville

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Senate unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday in support of a resolution introduced by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) designating a portion of Illinois Route 1 in Danville as Speaker Joe Cannon Memorial Highway.

“House Joint Resolution 41 tries to honor Danville’s favorite son, Speaker Joe Cannon,” Bennett said. “Joe Cannon is a fascinating person to learn about in our nation’s history… We’re very proud that he’s from Danville, and this resolution would name one of Vermilion County’s highways in honor of our favorite son.”

Joseph Gurney Cannon, born in 1836, served in Congress for nearly five decades as a republican representative from Illinois. Cannon, also known as “Uncle Joe,” held the position of Speaker of the House from 1903-1911.

House Joint Resolution 41 passed the Senate with a vote of 54-0.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate’s passage of a balanced budget, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) voted to prioritize students.

“This year has been tough on so many people, but especially our students,” Bennett said. “This budget maintains funding for higher education and increases support for need-based tuition assistance programs, offering the University of Illinois and our area community colleges the opportunity to continue providing a world-class education to the next generation.” 

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our fallen and disabled service members, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) passed legislation through the Senate Saturday to create 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 a simple way for us to support Folds of Honor’s mission,” Bennett said. “With the passage of this legislation, Folds of Honor will be able to increase the number of academic scholarships for the spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members.”