CHAMPAIGN – With National Move Over Day set for Saturday, Oct. 17, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding drivers to move over and slow down when approaching stopped emergency responders, tow trucks, utility, public works, county highway, or maintenance vehicles with warning lights flashing.

“Safety zones are set up to protect men and women working at the scene, but it’s up to drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel to prevent roadway fatalities,” Bennett said. “To prevent more tragic losses of emergency responders and highway workers, stay alert and move over for workers.”

The state’s “Move Over” (Scott’s) Law, also known as Senate Bill 1862, requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles with their hazard lights activated. If changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe, drivers are required to proceed with due caution, reduce their speed and leave a safe distance until they have safely passed the stationary vehicle. Violations can result in a fine of up to $10,000.

“Scott’s Law is intended to save lives and should be observed at all times,” Bennett said. “Do your part and pay attention while driving to protect emergency personnel and construction workers.”

Bennett was the chief co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1862, which took effect Jan. 1, 2020.

DANVILLE – To make it more convenient for residents of Vermilion County to monitor their health, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced the Illinois Department of Public Health will operate a temporary COVID-19 testing site next week.

“It’s crucial that people have convenient access to testing,” Bennett said. “This testing site supports the health of our community by making testing more available to those who need it which will help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

The testing site will be available Monday, Oct. 19 through Sun., Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Vermilion County Health Department, located at 200 S. College St. in Danville.

All residents of Vermilion County, with or without symptoms, can be tested for free. Face masks will be required, but no appointment is needed to be tested. Tests will be administered via nasal swab, and patients will receive a call with their results within a few days.

Bennett took an active role in coordinating the placement of the free mobile testing site in Vermilion County earlier this month.

More information about testing locations, times, and requirements can be found at www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.

DANVILLE - In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging residents to nominate local female business owners to recognize for their leadership and service to residents.

“October is a month to celebrate and applaud the contributions and successes of female entrepreneurs,” Bennett said. “I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the talented, dedicated and driven women that help make our community great.”

Nominations can be submitted to Sen. Bennett’s office by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and providing a name, business title and reason for recognition.

As part of National Women’s Small Business Month, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is hosting a series of webinars specifically targeted to female small business owners to offer support and resources for success. For more information, visit DCEO’s website.

“Our small businesses are critical to our economy, and during this pandemic we have seen them hurting,” Bennett said. “With the holiday season fast approaching, I am encouraging everyone to support local businesses this year by purchasing gift cards, referring friends and engaging on social media.”

SPRINGFIELD – In honor of National Farmers Day on October 12, Senate Agriculture Chairman Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) are celebrating the hard work and dedication of local farmers and agricultural workers.

“Farmers are passionate about the work they do, and this day is an opportunity to acknowledge the work of the men and women devoted to feeding our community,” said Bennett, who spends the harvest season helping out on his family's farm in Gibson City. “This is the perfect time to thank farmers young and old, past and present."

On this day, Bennett and Joyce are encouraging people to show gratitude to farmers by supporting local farmers’ markets or making charitable donations to area farms.

“While we appreciate and support farmers each and every day, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a new appreciation for the agriculture sector,” said Joyce, a fourth-generation farmer and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Today, we thank our farmers for their contributions to a healthier society and economy.”

The lawmakers are also recognizing the dedicated animals that work alongside farmers every day and help them with daily tasks, such as plowing the field, transporting food and cultivating the soil, especially during the busy harvest season.

As harvest season progresses across the state and farmers face additional stressors, Bennett encourages farmers to sign up for a webinar to learn ways to manage stress. The webinar will be led by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development on Oct. 14 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. To register, visit tinyurl.com/harveststress.