CHAMPAIGN – To help the many small business owners facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Champaign and Vermilion County businesses will receive aid through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program. 

“The BIG program is essential to small businesses who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bennett said. “I’m pleased to see so many businesses take advantage of this grant opportunity, and I would like to see more apply while funding is still available.”

In the district Bennett represents, 32 businesses received a combined $1,655,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, as part of the second round of the BIG program. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

“These grants are a great step toward recovery, but our small business community needs much more of our support,” Bennett said. “I look forward to working with governor’s administration to find more resources for our hurting businesses. On an individual level, it’s important to shop local, especially during the holiday season, because that money goes right back into our economy.” 

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available on the DCEO website.

DANVILLE – With Halloween only days away, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is urging motorists and adults to take extra precautions this year to keep everyone safe.

“While Halloween celebrations may be different this year, it’s still important to plan for a sober ride home, especially while children are trick-or-treating in the dark,” Bennett said. “If your Halloween festivities are going to involve alcohol, plan ahead.”

Illinois motor vehicle crash death rates are higher this year than last year. As of Oct. 23, 864 Illinoisans have lost their lives in vehicle accidents so far in 2020, according to information from the Illinois Department of Transportation. In an effort to keep motorists and pedestrians safe, law enforcement has increased its efforts to keep impaired drivers off the road.

“I want everyone in our community to have a fun Halloween night, but to also stay safe and make responsible choices,” Bennett said. “A few preventive measures can mean the difference between life and death this weekend.”

Bennett also wants to remind those celebrating to practice appropriate social distancing, keep gatherings to a minimum and never substitute a Halloween mask for a face covering intended to stop the spread of COVID-19. For more guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health, visit dph.illinois.gov/covid19.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) visited the Eden Park Illumination factory in Champaign on Tuesday to announce a $15 million investment to construct two new manufacturing training academies at downstate community colleges.

Bennett was joined at the event by Gov. JB Pritzker and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Erin Guthrie.

“Manufacturing is an important pillar in many of our communities and infuses new dollars into our economy,” Bennett said. “This is a critical investment that will help rebuild our economy as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Funding for the new training academies will be distributed by DCEO. The agency is seeking proposals from community colleges to provide cutting-edge training programs that will equip students for an array of high-paying skilled manufacturing jobs that require specialized training.

These academies are a key part of the governor’s five-year economic growth plan, providing training to Illinoisans pursuing high-demand jobs, including machinery mechanics and computer numerically controlled machine operators and programmers.

Applications for the grants will be accepted from community college districts or coalitions of community college districts outside Cook County and the surrounding collar counties.

For more information, visit DCEO’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – Area farmers who need someone to talk to about the everyday stresses of farming and pandemic-related challenges now have a new resource. A new helpline (1-833-FARM-SOS) will connect farmers to health professionals and services through the Farm Family Resource Initiative.

In addition to the helpline, the initiative offers ongoing outreach, education and training to rural partners working to improve the health and safety of farm families. Free webinars and trainings on psychological signs of stress and Mental Health First Aid offer program participants skill-building tools to meet the needs of rural clients and farmers.

“Small farms are the core of our state’s economy, and farmers are on the front lines to provide food for our communities. The reality of this pandemic is that a new layer of stress has been put on farmers and farm families,” said Senator Scott Bennett. “The Farm Family Resource Initiative and helpline will give farmers additional support to help folks recognize and navigate these times.”

Initiated through the legislative leadership of Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), the Farm Family Resource Initiative is a joint pilot program of SIU School of Medicine and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The SIU School of Medicine’s Center for Rural Health and Social Services Development is leading the effort to build a statewide network of support and resources for Illinois farm families, starting in six counties: Christian, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Morgan and Sangamon.

“The Farm Family Resource Initiative educational opportunities and the helpline are a few of the ways that SIU is fulfilling its rural health mission for social accountability in central and southern Illinois,” said Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH, Dean and Provost of SIU School of Medicine.

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