CHAMPAIGN – With communities across Champaign and Vermilion counties still feeling the effects of the pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging small businesses impacted by COVID-19 to apply for assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grant (BIG) funding.

“Our small business community has made incredible sacrifices over the past several months to protect their staff and customers,” Bennett said. “We must do all that we can to show our support during this horrible pandemic, and I would encourage any business that is struggling to apply.”

The BIG program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and more to help them stay afloat through this time of crisis and ensure they have the resources to open safely in the coming months.

The second round of grants is intended to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on businesses located downstate. This round includes $60 million for heavily distressed industries, such as movie theaters, performing arts venues, concert venues, indoor recreation, amusement parks, event spaces located at banquet halls and hotels, and more. Another $70 million has been set aside for businesses in economically distressed communities that have been the most vulnerable to COVID-19.

“This program is an investment in our community and will help small businesses ease their financial strain,” Bennett said. “The BIG program was able to help many businesses in the first round of funding, and I hope we can see even more receive this assistance.”

The second round of BIG funding builds on more than $49 million in grants awarded statewide in August. The Champaign-Urbana area received a combined $910,000 in grants, and an additional $100,000 was awarded to the Danville area during the first round. The grants ranged from $10,000 to $20,000 to assist businesses with expenses like payroll, rent, utilities, equipment and other possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic.

Applications open Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.

DANVILLE – With the 2020 Census entering the final stages of its count, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and State Representative Mike Marron (R-Fithian) are reminding Vermilion County residents to complete the census for their household. 

“As the census draws to a close, I would encourage folks in Vermilion County to take a few minutes to complete the census so our community receives the resources and representation it deserves,” Bennett said. “Until there’s a 100% response rate, schools, roads, hospitals and other critical community services could be negatively affected. I encourage you to participate in the 2020 Census and get counted before the Sept. 30 deadline.”

Across Vermilion County, participation in the 2020 Census is lower than in the 2010 Census. Only 65.3% of Vermilion County residents have completed their census forms this year, as opposed to 70.2% of residents in 2010.

Marron says he is encouraging residents in the 104th district he represents in East Central Illinois to make sure they are counted, noting communities lose out on funding and representation for every person that does not fill out the census.

"September 30, 2020, is your last day to make sure you are counted in the census. The process is simple and completed online in about 10 minutes total," Marron said. "The census count affects the number of Federal tax dollars that make their way back to our communities. An accurate count also ensures that the residents of East Central Illinois will have adequate representation going forward for the next ten years."

The census is now safer, more secure and just as confidential. Filling out the form is crucial, as data from the 2020 Census will be used to draw new congressional district maps, helps determine how federal funds flow into states and provides information that will affect communities across Illinois for the next 10 years.

“Completing the Census is one of the most fundamental ways our citizens can invest in our community!  It only takes a few minutes to answer nine quick questions, and the return on investment for doing so is amazing,” Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. said.  “Remember, not only do we lose approximately $1,400 for every person who doesn't reply, but our congressional representation is directly dependent on folks being accurately counted in our community. Therefore, if you haven't already done so, please complete your census response today!”

Residents can complete the census for their household at www.my2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020.

State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) delivers face masks to Danville School District Superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis (left) and Westville School District Superintendent Seth Miller (right) in Danville on Aug. 28, 2020.

DANVILLE – As classrooms reopen to students and staff for the fall semester, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) delivered 2,000 face masks to Danville and Westville School Districts.
 
“Our public health officials agree that masks and face coverings can significantly help reduce the spread of the virus,” Bennett said. “For that reason, schools offering face-to-face instruction are observing new health and safety protocols in the classroom, including wearing a face covering.”

Danville and Westville School Districts both require the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including face coverings. Bennett wanted to ensure they had an adequate supply of masks for students and staff to help support a successful return to school.

“We would like to say thank you for helping us meet the challenges of this pandemic,” Danville School District Superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis said. “We are humbled by your generosity and support of our students.”

"We are so appreciative for the mask donations," Westville Superintendent Seth Miller said. "It's been a challenge, but our teachers have risen to the occasion and this generous donation will be a tremendous help to our schools."

Bennett secured the masks through his connections with a Taiwanese trade delegation. Bennett established a relationship with the delegation last fall when he hosted them at his family farm to celebrate their commitment to purchase Illinois crops between 2020 and 2021.

“It’s critical that every student and staff member has access to face masks to keep each other safe and healthy during this pandemic,” Bennett said. “I hope this additional supply of masks will equip Danville and Westville School Districts to protect their students and workers.”