CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is seeking motivated, community-minded University of Illinois and Parkland College students to serve in his Champaign district office as interns.

“Internships provide a tremendous opportunity for our young leaders to get a front-row seat to our state’s legislative process,” Bennett said. “I encourage students aspiring to a career in public service to apply to join our team.”

Interns would take on an active role in Bennett’s office, helping plan events, assisting with outreach to community organizations and local governments, and researching legislative initiatives. Interns will have the opportunity to attend in-person events with the senator when necessary.

Read more ...

CHAMPAIGN – The holiday season is here, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding Champaign and Vermilion County residents to keep their dollars in the community by shopping and buying local on Small Business Saturday – Saturday, Nov. 27. 

“Small businesses have been hit particularly hard over the past two years,” Bennett said. “It’s important we show them the community is here to help and support our local shops in any way possible.”

Bennett reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Bennett added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying gift cards.

“Whether it’s in-person or online, take time this Saturday, Nov. 27, and during the holiday shopping season, to shop at small businesses in our community and encourage your friends and family to do the same,” Bennett said.

Additionally, if money is tight due to the financial concerns relating to the pandemic, people can follow their social media, recommend them to friends and leave positive reviews.

CHAMPAIGN – With cold, snowy weather approaching, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding drivers with travel plans of the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Getting Around Illinois website.

“Drivers who are unprepared for winter road conditions create dangerous situations for themselves and everyone on the road,” Bennett said. “This roadmap is a great resource for commuters and residents, and I encourage folks to utilize it before getting on the roads.”

Previously, the map displayed conditions by county. New this year, the map shows how weather events are impacting roads, including the ability to identify and zoom in to a location, travel route or destination with current information recorded by plow drivers.

People can interact with the map to understand how weather events are affecting roads across the state. The winter road conditions map is available on IDOT’s website.

DANVILLE – To help residents stay warm this winter, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is launching a warm socks drive in partnership with Robinson Chiropractic to benefit shelters across Danville.

“Homeless service providers continue to face a long list of needs, with socks being a major sought-out item of clothing by people experiencing homelessness,” Bennett said. “With winter approaching, I’m asking folks to consider donating a pair of new socks to help our neighbors in need keep warm.”

Worn-out or ragged socks put people at serious risk of foot disease and, during the winter months, in severe danger from the cold. As a result, new socks are greatly needed by those experiencing homelessness—but they are the least donated clothing item at homeless shelters.

Read more ...