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DANVILLE – To help folks stay warm during the cold winter months, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and Robinson Chiropractic are collecting socks to benefit area shelters through Thursday, Dec. 23.

“The holidays are a time when we tend to be thinking of people that are in need in our community,” Bennett said. “I encourage people to consider helping folks in our shelters by donating a pair of new socks to help them keep warm.”

Worn-out or ragged socks put people at serious risk of foot disease and, during the winter months, in severe danger from the cold. As a result, new socks are greatly needed by those experiencing homelessness — but they are the least donated clothing item at homeless shelters.

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CHAMPAIGN – Students will be protected from grooming and other sexual misconduct under a new law signed today, the result of legislation by Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Children should be able to turn to their teachers when there’s a problem and trust that their teacher is acting in their best interests,” said Bennett. “This legislation is a tremendous step forward in ensuring educators are equipped to protect our children from abuse.”

Bennett’s legislation would make it mandatory for schools to develop a sexual misconduct code of conduct, review employment histories, and teach students about grooming and sexual misconduct in sex education. It would also allow schools to set aside two days of in-service learning for teachers to train on identifying such behavior and publish a resource guide on sexual abuse for parents.

The new law also aims to educate teachers and school staff about grooming and how to identify the warning signs that a teacher may be sexually abusing a student. The plan would require all schools to complete the teacher training annually by Jan. 31, starting next school year.

House Bill 1975 was signed into law Friday and has various effective dates.

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced a combined $945,000 investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Vermilion Regional Airport and Rantoul National Aviation Center on Friday.

“Our airports play a vital role in building for our future and strengthening our regional economy,” Bennett said. “These funds will allow the smaller airports in our community to make much-needed repairs, modernize their facilities and attract more passengers.”

Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of the airport to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Vermilion Regional Airport is set to receive $315,000 to reconstruct the airport entrance road and $450,000 to upgrade the airport perimeter fence. The Rantoul National Aviation Center is set to receive $180,000 to acquire airport snow removal equipment.

“I’m pleased that the state is investing in our local airports,” Bennett said. “Having reliable and safe air service is crucial for tourism, commerce and economic development in our region.” 

A full list of recipients can be viewed by going to https://idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.