SPRINGFIELD – To make insulin more affordable for citizens in Champaign and Vermilion counties, State Senator Scott Bennett moved to cap patients’ out-of-pocket costs at $100 for a 30-day supply.

As lawmakers prepare to return to Springfield next week for the fall veto session, insulin will be a major topic of interest. Bennett is a co-sponsor of legislation that would make Illinois the second state to cap insulin copayments. 

“The price of insulin has tripled over the span of a decade and diabetics are resorting to desperate measures due to the price spike,” Bennett said. “You can’t just cut back on insulin. Patients deserve affordable access to this life-saving prescription drug, and they can’t wait.”

The American Diabetes Association reports there are more than 30 million Americans who have diabetes, with 1.25 million having Type 1 diabetes. The condition requires daily administration of insulin to survive.

This legislation, Senate Bill 667, also directs Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office to investigate reasons for rising prescription insulin costs and to ensure consumer protections in their pricing. The attorney general’s office will issue a one-time report detailing its findings and make public policy recommendations for controlling and preventing overpricing of prescription insulin.

“Nobody should be forced to decide between paying for food or their medication,” Bennett said. “I will continue to work with the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 667, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) to ensure this becomes law.”

DANVILLE – On Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) celebrated 190 years with the First Presbyterian Church in Danville.

Bennett attended the service and events to celebrate the significant milestone and presented a Senate Recognition to Pastor Ann Schwartz to commend this occasion.

“This place of worship and congregation has a tremendous history,” Bennett said. “I was delighted to participate in this celebration with the church community and recognize them in their place of worship yesterday.”

First Presbyterian Church was founded by eight charter members on March 7, 1829, shortly after the village of Danville became the Vermilion County seat in 1827. It was the church of Abraham Lincoln when his duties as an attorney brought him to Danville. The church is now an official Lincoln historical marker.

Today, First Presbyterian Church offers a variety of leadership opportunities in their community and devotes its ministries to serving, teaching and worshipping.

“This church continues to be an active, welcoming and vital place of worship,” Bennett said. “I congratulate the pastors, members and staff on their anniversary and their desire to be good and faithful servants, both in their church and in the community.”

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) sponsored a resolution to recognize Oct. 13 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Illinois.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, other than skin cancer. Thousands of families across Illinois are affected by metastatic cancer, also known as Stage IV or advanced breast cancer.

“This day is designated to increase awareness of the disease,” Bennett said. “Despite the advances made in cancer treatment, metastatic breast cancer still remains incurable.”

Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of breast cancer occurring when it has spread beyond the breast and to another part of the body — typically the bones, liver or brain. In Illinois alone, it is expected that 11,560 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, according to the American Cancer Society.

“Metastatic breast cancer unfortunately cuts the lives of too many people in Illinois and leaves long term effects on families,” Bennett said. “Today we have the opportunity to shed light on the devastation cancer brings to communities throughout the state. I encourage residents to work with their health care providers to create a health plan and get screened regularly.”

For additional information, Bennett urges residents to contact Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 800-232-4636.