CHAMPAIGN – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced Monday that $7 million in local infrastructure funding will be distributed to local governments as part of the Rebuild Illinois program, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to announce that Champaign County will receive a portion of those funds.

“Creating a designated truck route in Champaign County will not only help manage traffic, but will provide a safer driving experience,” Bennett said. “This funding will also boost jobs during these tough economic times and ensure our community has the necessary resources to attract business, regulate growth and improve local quality of life.”  

This grant is made possible through IDOT’s Truck Access Route Program, which allows counties, municipalities and townships to apply for assistance in upgrading roads to accommodate 80,000-pound trucks and become designated truck routes. IDOT will provide Champaign County with $900,000, which will be used for connecting U.S. 45 truck routes.

“Illinois is the country’s transportation hub, with freight activity a cornerstone of the state’s economy,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “At IDOT, we want our local partners to have the necessary tools to manage traffic safely and spur even more job creation and economic growth.”

The City of Danville also received $80,000 through the Rebuild Illinois program to fund the Fairchild Street project.

A complete list of projects can be viewed here.

CHAMPAIGN – To help address the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is announcing that school districts in the 52nd District will receive an estimated $128,207,491 in additional funding.

“Parents have spent most of this pandemic focusing on how their kids will continue learning and how the pandemic will impact their future,” said Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Scott Bennett. “Teachers have adapted to every obstacle thrown their way this past year, and I’m thrilled to see the state do right by our students with this additional funding.”

DANVILLE – In an effort to replenish the stock at The Dwelling Place for homeless and at-risk individuals in Vermilion County, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and Robinson Chiropractic are reminding residents to make a donation to their healthy food drive by Wednesday, March 31.

“With more people experiencing financial strain and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for food has dramatically increased,” Bennett said. “This increased demand has impacted community organizations like The Dwelling Place, so I encourage you to support the center and donate today, if you can.” 

According to The Dwelling Place, over 16,000 Vermilion County residents live in poverty and are at risk of homelessness, and over 500 children of school age are identified as homeless. Individuals and families who seek assistance for food are often in search of healthier options.

Bennett’s office will be collecting individually wrapped dried fruit, nuts, pumpkin seeds, granola bars, cheese and crackers, peanut butter and crackers, fruit roll-ups, protein bars, Del Monte fruit cups, applesauce cups, and nonperishable food items. Expired food items will not be accepted.

Individually wrapped items will be accepted through March 31 in donation boxes at the following locations:

• Scott Bennett’s district office
  • 201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323, Danville
    • Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Robinson Chiropractic
    • 3595 N. Vermilion St., Danville
      • Mon, Wed, Fri: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
      • Tues and Thurs: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bennett reminds those donating to wear a mask in the building and practice social distancing. Collection boxes will be located outside of each office. Those interested in making a financial contribution to the center can make checks out to The Dwelling Place.

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

SPRINGFIELD – To honor the legacies of indigenous people across the country, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is proposing that the month of November be declared Native American Heritage Month in Illinois.

“Ensuring that the month of November is dedicated to paying tribute to the contributions and influences of Native Americans is the least we can do for a people who laid the foundation for our country,” Bennett said. “I’m thrilled to see this legislation move forward so we can commemorate their culture and tradition.” 

 Bennett’s proposal would recognize the influences of Native Americans on American history, achievement, culture and innovation during the month of November.

SPRINGFIELD – The Senate State Government Committee approved a measure sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) Wednesday to add probation officers to the list of individuals that qualify for death benefits if killed in the line of duty.

“Our probation officers put their uniforms on and go to work every day to help protect our communities,” Bennett said. “With the Illinois courts considering an expansion of home and field visits, more probation officers are at increased risk of getting involved in a potentially violent situation.”

URBANA – In an effort to promote wellness and improve recreational opportunities in the Urbana area, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) has secured $2.5 million through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) grant program, which will be used to construct the Urbana Indoor Recreation and Fitness Center.

“I’m thrilled that Urbana has been selected to receive a PARC grant to provide more recreational opportunities for our community,” Bennett said. “This funding shows the state’s continued commitment to invest in public recreational spaces so more families and individuals can maintain their health.”

The new facility will feature a gymnasium, walking track, exercise equipment room, multipurpose meeting and rental room, office space for facility staff, locker rooms, and parking. The project also includes the installation of rain gardens in the parking lot medians and additional tree planting. 

The PARC grant program provides up to 90% of project costs to help build, renovate and improve recreational buildings used by the public, with local governments matching the value of the grants awarded. The grant to Champaign-Urbana was one of 17 grants awarded across the state Wednesday.

A full list of grantees is available on IDNR’s website.

CHAMPAIGN – To improve transparency around prescription drug costs, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) reintroduced a measure requiring pharmacies to post a notice informing consumers that a consumer may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale.

“Retail prices at pharmacies generally bear no relationship to the actual market prices of the medications,” Bennett said. “Patients deserve to know the ‘real’ price of the medication they intend to purchase so they can make an informed decision about where they buy their prescriptions.”