SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) issued the following statement on today’s budget vote in the Illinois Senate:

“As a legislative body, it is our responsibility to enable our youth to have a bright future in this state and to provide for the most vulnerable in our society. Today’s budget vote shows that the Illinois Senate is able to work across party lines to achieve much-needed compromise.

“The balanced budget agreement that the Senate passed sets responsible funding levels that allow us to reprioritize spending to tackle some our state’s most critical issues. In this budget, we commit to allowing social service providers to keep their doors open, increasing funding for public universities and community colleges, maintaining MAP grant funding and even creating a new tuition grant program for Illinois students.

“It’s a plan that will provide fiscal stability and certainty for families, businesses, social service providers and schools and universities in Champaign and Vermilion County.

“I’ve always believed that our state gets stronger when we empower working families, care for the most vulnerable and provide opportunities through education. I am proud to have voted for these investments today in order to move our state forward.”

The budget package now moves to the House for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to honor two officers and a civilian killed in a gunfight in 1979, along with another officer wounded in the battle, was adopted by the General Assembly this week.  

State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) sponsored House Joint Resolution 21, which designates the overpass where Ford County Road 200 North crosses Interstate 57 South of Paxton as the McCarter-Caisse-Vice-Hale Memorial Overpass.

“I am very proud to sponsor this legislation,” Bennett said. “Even though their service and sacrifice occurred years ago, time should not diminish the impact of their deaths and the importance of their lives.”

On April 7, 1979, the three officers and one civilian were involved in a gunfight with members of a Michigan family after a traffic stop on I-57 south of Paxton.

Illinois State Police Trooper Michael McCarter, Paxton Police Department Patrolman William Caisse and civilian, Donald Vice, were shot and killed. Larry C. Hale of the Paxton Police Department was wounded.

“I am very glad that there is now a memorial to honor these brave men who gave their lives protecting our community,” Bennett said. “My hope is that this memorial will inspire future generations of dedicated public servants as they serve and sacrifice.”

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) will host town hall meetings in Champaign and Danville early next month to recap the spring legislative session.

Bennett will update residents on the budget status, legislation he worked on and answer questions.

“In-person town hall meetings are a fundamental way to get feedback from the constituents I represent,” Bennett said. “It's always been important to work with my constituents and listen to their concerns about how the state should be moving forward. I appreciate Representative Ammons joining me in Champaign to discuss the ways that we can better serve our constituents together."

Area residents can stop by to receive assistance and share concerns on local and state issues.

Danville Town Hall:
Monday, June 4
5 to 7 p.m.
Danville Area Community College, Vermilion Hall, Room 306 (2000 E. Main, Danville)

Champaign Town Hall:
A joint town hall with State Representative Carol Ammons (D-103^rd District)
Wednesday, June 6
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Champaign Carpenters’ Hall (402 S Duncan Rd, Champaign)

Stay up to date by checking out www.SenatorBennett.com or subscribe to Bennett’s e-newsletter for more details. If you’re unable to attend a meeting, you can still share your thoughts by contacting his Danville or Champaign offices.

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is excited to announce that families in Danville will soon be able to enjoy a new bicycle and pedestrian trail.

The City of Danville was awarded $1.6 million through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program forthe Denmark Road bicycle and pedestrian path.

“This is a great opportunity to expand recreational offerings in Danville,” Bennett said. “Not only do shared-use trails enhance the quality-of-life in our communities, bicycle-friendly and walkable cities often create positive economic impact as well.”

The $1.6 million investment will be used to construct sidewalks, add bicycle lanes and improve lighting along Denmark Road coinciding with the sanitary improvements there and on Old Ottawa Road.