CHAMPAIGN – As small businesses continue to work to keep their doors open during the pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is backing the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce’s “Chambers All In for Economic Recovery” initiative.

“It’s important that we do all we can right now to stay on course in the fight against COVID-19,” Bennett said. “The Chambers All In initiative reiterates the state’s ongoing message to wear a mask to prevent the spread of the virus. It’s a small price to pay to help our local businesses stay open.”

Chambers All In for Economic Recovery is a collaboration between chambers of commerce across Illinois that seek to support the state’s business communities and help ensure that businesses can thrive for years to come. Chambers All In encourages residents to wear a mask to help keep businesses open and prevent further mitigation measures, including a stay-at-home order.

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CHAMPAIGN – Senate Agriculture Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) received the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE) on Friday, Dec. 4 for his support of agricultural education and Future Farmers of America (FFA) student programs.

“Agriculture plays a significant role in our state’s economy, so it’s important we place a strong emphasis on agriculture education in the General Assembly,” Bennett said. “By embracing programs like FFA and promoting agriculture education, we can instill positive values in students and shape tomorrow’s agricultural leaders.”

Since 1987, the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award has been presented to legislators who advocate for and have been publicly supportive of Illinois agricultural education. According to ILCAE, these legislators understand the importance of the agricultural industry that makes up about a quarter of Illinois’ jobs. They also know the importance of today’s youth understanding the ever-evolving and expanding agricultural industry with the knowledge gained through a current and progressive agricultural education.

The award is named in honor of the late Jim Guilinger, a nationally recognized agricultural education leader and former secretary of the McDonough County Farm Bureau. Guilinger spent 56 years of his life dedicated to agricultural education, constantly seeking out innovative and cutting-edge technology and curriculum for the betterment of his students.

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education that is having such a positive impact on our young people,” Bennett said.

TILTON – To ensure drivers can renew vehicle registration safely, the Tilton driver services facility is now offering drive-thru license plate sticker renewals, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Wednesday.

“License plate renewals have been a major concern for folks in our area,” Bennett said. “I’m grateful that the secretary of state’s office is giving people a safe and convenient way to renew their vehicle registrations through this drive-thru service.”

The facility will be open Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Credit cards and checks will be the only accepted forms of payment, and customers are required to wear masks.

Illinoisans with access to the internet can also renew their vehicle registration stickers and take advantage of other online services at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. All expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended until June 1, 2021.

“Please renew your vehicle registrations online if you can,” Bennett said. “That will mean shorter lines for people who truly don’t have internet access.”

Bennett also is reminding residents the federal government has extended the REAL ID deadline by one year. The deadline is now Oct. 1, 2021.

DANVILLE – Giving Tuesday is Dec. 1, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging those who are able to give back to their communities on this charitable occasion.

“As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, so does the need for help from local charitable organizations,” Bennett said. “There’s something everyone can do to help, whether it is donating to a good cause, volunteering your time to help others in our community, or simply showing acts of kindness.”

Giving Tuesday, created in 2012 as a day to encourage people to do good, has since grown into a global movement for charitable giving on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Bennett encourages folks willing and able to consider reaching out to a local charitable organization to ask how they can help. These organizations may include animal shelters, blood banks, or other groups serving children and youth, artists, small businesses, restaurant workers, homeless individuals, and more.

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