SPRINGFIELD – Spouses and children of veterans and active duty service members will soon be able to take advantage of the military service discount program under a bill introduced by State Senator Scott Bennett.

Bennett (D-Champaign) sponsored Senate Bill 1468, which would expand the eligibility for voluntary discount programs currently offered by businesses to veterans and military personnel to include spouses and dependents.

“Making sure all veterans and service members can take advantage of their military discount is one small way we can express our gratitude for their service,” Bennett said. “Enhancing this discount program to include their families honors the commitment that our brave servicemen and women and their families make to our country.”

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RANTOUL – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) joined several local officials this afternoon to celebrate a new roof over the Rantoul Historical Society Museum.

Bennett, along with Illinois State Library Director Greg McCormick and State Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian) spoke at the event and took part in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

“The Rantoul Historical Society and this museum play a crucial role in preserving local culture,” Bennett said. “I am honored to have played a very small part in helping showcase Rantoul’s rich history.”

The new roof was installed in late December and paid for by money from a special license plate fund dedicated to preserving the memory of the Chanute Air Force in Rantoul.

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SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) recognizing October 13, 2019 as “Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day” in Illinois was adopted by the Senate this week. 

Metastatic breast cancer, also called Stage IV or advanced breast cancer, is the most advanced stage of breast cancer. It occurs when the cancer has spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain.

“Despite the significant advancements in cancer treatment, metastatic breast cancer unfortunately remains incurable,” Bennett said. “It cuts short the lives of too many people in Illinois and leaves long-lasting effects on families. It’s important to shed light on the personal and social burdens of metastatic breast cancer, the needs of the patient and the promising research efforts in the development of more effective treatments.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) released the following statement today on Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed 2019-20 budget:

“I share Governor Pritzker’s belief that education is a jobs creator, and a priority for support. There is no better way to build for the future than by investing in our educational institutions and workforce development.

“Strengthening our public schools and enhancing career and technical training will connect the underemployed with high-wage, high-skilled jobs and provide our youth with more educational opportunities to excel.

“I am also encouraged to see the Governor’s commitment to rebuild after the damage inflicted on higher education in our state over the last four years. Increasing investments into the MAP program in particular is an excellent way to keep the best and brightest in our state.

“At first glance, this is a solid first step in restoring stability to our state, but I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature and the Governor to ensure that we address the needs of working families in Champaign and Vermilion Counties and throughout the state.”