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I am proud to serve as the State Senator from Illinois’ 52nd District, representing Champaign and Vermilion counties. I hope you’ll find this site a useful resource in keeping up to date with what’s happening in our district and in Springfield. Please contact any of my offices with questions or ways I can better serve you. It is my honor to represent you in Springfield.

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Senator Scott Bennett

Bennett: CDL driving tests resume at limited locations

truck on the roadCHAMPAIGN - The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has taken steps to help commercial drivers continue delivering and producing essential goods, thanks to advocacy from Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

Three Commercial Drivers License (CDL) facilities are now open to meet the overwhelming demand being placed on commercial and agricultural enterprises delivering and producing essential goods.

“Truckers are a key component of the supply chain and it relies upon new commercial drivers to haul goods across the country,” Senator Bennett said. “It’s imperative that CDL facilities open to train, test and license new commercial drivers to avoid truck driver shortages during this crisis.”

While only a limited number of facilities are set to reopen, the secretary of state’s office will be taking the necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of employees and applicants.

The locations and hours of the facilities open include:
• Springfield Dirksen, 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Marion, 1905 W. Rendelman St., Tuesday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m.-noon
• West Chicago, 120 Powis Rd., Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

CDL driving tests will be conducted by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 217-785-3013. All other CDL transactions will be first-come, first-served. For more information, please visit cyberdriveillinois.com.

Bennett urges Vermilion County residents to complete census from home

Be Counted FB 1DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) encouraged Vermilion County residents to fill out the 2020 Census, protecting their representation in government and share of federal funding.
 
“The census is currently underway and is easy to complete with the new online questionnaire option. For a family of four, I was able to fill it out in a matter of minutes using a smartphone,” Bennett said. “Responding to the census is critically important because it determines funding for things like roads, hospitals, fire departments, and schools in Vermilion County.”
 
In 2010, Vermilion County had a final response rate of 70.2%. So far this year, Vermilion’s response rate is down, currently only at 57.8%. More than half of the county’s residents’ responses have been submitted online.
 
“The census can be completed from the comfort of your own home and you can make your voice heard by participating,” Bennett said. “Now more than ever, it is vital that we ensure everyone is counted.”
 
Although online is the quickest way to fill out the questionnaire, there are three ways you can respond: online, by phone or by mail. Bennett also pointed out that higher self-response rates mean fewer individuals are likely to receive visits from census surveyors to be counted in-person. This year, census surveyors are putting the health of themselves and their families at risk from COVID-19.
 
If you haven’t filled out your census questionnaire yet, you can visit 2020census.gov, where you can find the online questionnaire and additional information about the census. To see local responses rates across Illinois and the entire nation, visit www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us. 

Bennett urges Champaign County residents to complete census from home

Be Counted FB 1CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) encouraged Champaign County residents to fill out the 2020 Census, protecting their representation in government and share of federal funding.
 
“The census is currently underway and is easy to complete with the new online questionnaire option. For a family of four, I was able to fill it out in a matter of minutes using a smartphone,” Bennett said. “Responding to the census is critically important because it determines funding for things like roads, hospitals, fire departments, and schools in Champaign County.”
 
In 2010, Champaign County had a final response rate of 70.4%. So far this year, Champaign’s response rate is down, currently only at 60.7%. More than half of the county’s residents’ responses have been submitted online.
 
“The census can be completed from the comfort of your own home and you can make your voice heard by participating,” Bennett said. “Now more than ever, it is vital that we ensure everyone is counted.”
 
Although online is the quickest way to fill out the questionnaire, there are three ways you can respond: online, by phone or by mail. Bennett also pointed out that higher self-response rates mean fewer individuals are likely to receive visits from census surveyors to be counted in-person. This year, census surveyors are putting the health of themselves and their families at risk from COVID-19.
 
If you haven’t filled out your census questionnaire yet, you can visit 2020census.gov, where you can find the online questionnaire and additional information about the census. To see local responses rates across Illinois and the entire nation, visit www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us.

Bennett: Reduce utility bills during Stay at Home Order

04052018CM0141CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging residents to participate in the Citizens Utility Board’s (CUB) ongoing Virtual Utility Bill Clinic to potentially save homeowners money during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Home energy bills are on the rise while more people work remotely and children have switched to e-learning during the Stay at Home Order,” Bennett said. “Families and individuals that are facing financial hardship during this crisis should tune into CUB’s clinics to learn how to reduce their utility bills.”

To participate, residents should send a copy of their most recent electric, natural gas and telecom bills to CUB at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Attn: Virtual Utility Bill Clinic.” Participants can remove personal information, but their documents should include the account holder’s name.

A CUB specialist will evaluate the bill to determine if you are signed up with an alternative supplier or if you are paying for unnecessary products or services. CUB will also let you know if you are eligible for money-saving programs, like financial assistance, and share information about energy-efficiency programs.

Bennett encourages residents to take advantage of CUB’s free utility bill clinics so residents can ensure they can keep their utility usage and costs in check. For more information on the program, please visit www.citizensutilityboard.org.

More Articles ...

  1. Bennett calls for safe reopening of local businesses
  2. Bennett pushes for the Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area to reopen
  3. Bennett to join Illinois CASA advocates during virtual child abuse prevention event
  4. Bennett urges business owners to apply for federal PPP loans

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Office Info

Champaign Office:
45 E. University Suite 206
Champaign, IL 61820
P: (217) 355-5252

Danville Office:
201 N. Vermilion St. Suite 323
Danville, IL 61832
P: (217) 442-5252

Springfield Office:
311C State House
Springfield, IL 62706
P: (217) 782-2507