DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) visited area long-term care facilities in Danville Monday to deliver Valentine’s Day cards written by students and community members across Vermilion County as part of his card collection drive.  

“It’s been such a joy delivering these heartfelt valentines to our long-term care residents this Valentine’s Day,” Bennett said. “This collection drive was a community effort, and its success is a testament to the compassionate hearts of our neighbors who have been so generous with their time and talents to spread love to these folks this year.”

More than 1,000 valentines were delivered to various long-term care facilities, including Accolade Healthcare, Arcadia Care, Cannon Place and Gardenview Manor thanks to contributions from participating schools and hundreds of local residents.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and several state senators joined the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association and the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council Thursday to unveil a package of proposals to support, fund and provide law enforcement officers with resources to serve and protect communities.

“Our law enforcement officials often endure the strain of the state’s criminal justice system,” said Bennett. “This public safety package is bringing legislators and law enforcement to the table to place a greater emphasis on safety for our communities moving forward by helping our public safety officers.”

The package aims to provide solutions to several of the problems law enforcement officers are facing including assisting departments with new grant opportunities, providing departments with additional tools to investigate crimes and helping departments utilize resources to address inmate mental health concerns.

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SPRINGFIELD – Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is breaking down barriers for Illinois students seeking a college education with his free textbook incentive legislation that passed committee Tuesday.

“A huge issue that students seeking a college education face today is affordability of course materials,” Bennett said. “By eliminating a significant educational expense for our students staying in-state for college, we are removing a huge financial burden for students and families.”

According to The College Board, the average student budget for college books and supplies during the 2020-2021 academic year was $1,298 at four-year public institutions. A survey conducted by the U.S. PIRG found that 65% of students decided not to buy a textbook because of the cost, and 94% of those students worried it would negatively affect their grade.

Under Bennett’s proposal – Senate Bill 3856 – public universities and community colleges would be required to provide all necessary coursework materials for rental free of charge for Illinois students.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is partnering with the Illinois treasurer’s office to bring an I-Cash event to Champaign.

The event will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28 at the Champaign Public Library located at 200 W. Green St. in Champaign.

“Many people who have unclaimed property with the state aren’t aware they’re owed money,” Bennett said. “I’m thrilled to partner with the treasurer’s office to help folks claim property that belongs to them.”

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