SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to save students money, Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Scott Bennett spearheaded a new law to make course materials more accessible.

“In the fight to make college more affordable and accessible for Illinois families, we can’t overlook the rising costs of textbooks,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “It’s become apparent that traditional publishers are not providing students the materials they need at a cost they can afford so we have to consider cost-saving alternatives.”

URBANA – In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, State Senator Scott Bennett is reminding farmers and ranchers experiencing stress to take advantage of the Farm Family Resource Initiative hotline.

“It’s important for farmers to break the stigma of internalizing their stress and understand they can ask for help,” said State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “The FFRI program has already proven its success over the past couple years and has given farmers the opportunity to talk about their struggles to avoid negative consequences.”

CHAMPAIGN – On Wednesday, May 4, Illinois will be celebrating Firefighters’ Day in Illinois thanks to a resolution supported by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Firefighters risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” Bennett said. “Although firefighters deserve our community’s respect throughout the year, designating a day statewide is important to recognize their efforts and contributions to protecting our communities.”

Firefighters’ Day honors the fearless men and women who not only run toward burning buildings and risk their own lives to save others but are often the first response when medical attention is required in homes and businesses.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senate Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) passed a measure through the Illinois Senate that addresses the reality of Illinois’ rollout of officer-worn body cameras.

“Protecting our communities is one of my top priorities,” Bennett said. “By clarifying language regarding body cameras and video storage, we can help law enforcement best do their job while also keeping those they protect and serve safe.”

SPRINGFIELD – To reduce the cost of course materials and make them more accessible to Illinois students, Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) advanced legislation through the Senate to save students money.

“Cost and convenience play an important role for students when purchasing their course materials,” Bennett said. “With this legislation, higher education institutions will put course materials in students’ hands the right way and at the right price.”

Under the measure, students would receive digital access to their online course materials at a significantly reduced cost. These materials can be viewed on a computer, laptop or smartphone on the first day of class.

DANVILLE – To inform and educate local residents on the latest frauds and scams, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is hosting a fraud prevention seminar with Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office.

The free informational seminar will be held on Wednesday, April 20 at 3 p.m. at the Danville Public Library located at 319 N. Vermilion St. in Danville.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) advanced a measure through the committee Tuesday to reduce the cost of course materials and make them more accessible to Illinois students.

“No cost of college life has increased faster than textbooks,” Bennett said. “It’s vital that we set students up for success, and that includes making sure course materials are affordable.”

SPRINGFIELD – A joint resolution was adopted in the Senate Thursday creating the first Soil Health Day and Week celebration in Illinois, thanks to State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Soil Health Day and Week is a wonderful opportunity to educate people who might not understand how healthy soil can benefit our food and drinking water,” said Bennett, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “I’m glad to bring awareness to the importance of soil health protection through this joint resolution.”

Throughout the Soil Health Week celebration, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance and participating partners will bring together farmers and eaters, organizations, state leaders, legislators and other partners to virtually celebrate with a variety of educational opportunities and resources.