CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) has been named to governor-elect JB Pritzker’s Growing our Agricultural Economy Committee.

Bennett, the vice chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, will be joining the 22-member transition team chaired by Colleen Callahan, a former rural development state director at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and John Sullivan, a former state senator from Rushville.  

“Agribusiness is the backbone of our state economy and it is crucial that we do everything we can to support the hard work of Illinois’ farmers,” Bennett said. “I am looking forward to bringing my experience to help advance policies that will help agriculture and rural communities in Illinois thrive.”

Bennett grew up in Gibson City, where five generations of his family worked on their family farm. As vice chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, he has been a tireless advocate for protecting local farmers, natural resources, and the environment.

The committee will focus on investing in farm-to-market infrastructure and expanding access to capital for family farmers, defending agricultural education and growing rural communities in downstate Illinois.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is partnering with the Illinois Department of Insurance and Champaign County Health Care Consumers to host an informational town hall meeting on how to review and purchase health insurance coverage plans.

Consumers are encouraged to attend the town hall on Monday, Nov. 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the CityView Banquet and Meeting Center, located on the fourth floor at 45 E. University Ave. in Champaign.

“Open Enrollment for quality, accessible health coverage is happening now until Dec. 15,” Bennett said. “Whether you’re signing up for the first time or changing or reviewing a plan, I encourage everyone to attend to learn how to get covered in Illinois.”

A representative from the Department of Insurance will be available to discuss how consumers can enroll, how to get coverage for mental health and/or substance treatment, how to choose the right products and more.

Staff will also be prepared to assist consumers in filing a complaint if they are currently in a dispute with their insurance company about their current coverage.

“This is a great opportunity to get free, in-person assistance with the health insurance marketplace in Illinois,” Bennett said. “We want to make sure that everybody has the necessary health coverage they need for the new year.”