SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Rauner’s Budget Address.

“The University of Illinois is an economic engine – not only for our local economy but for the entire state of Illinois. The governor’s proposed cuts will drastically drive up tuition costs for working families and put the university at a competitive disadvantage with our neighboring schools. During a time when, we should be looking for ways to make college more affordable, the governor is proposing we take away opportunities for our children and community.”

SPRINGFIELD- New State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) continues to travel across the 52nd District this month, hosting town hall meetings and “Capitol on your Corner” events throughout Champaign and Vermilion counties.

“I have enjoyed meeting with community leaders and residents during my first month in office.  I look forward to continuing to meet with more people to hear about their concerns and priorities for our communities to help me better represent the 52nd District in Springfield,” said Bennett. “I invite everyone to come out and let me know their thoughts on the important issues we face.”

Throughout the next year, Bennett plans to visit every community in the 52nd District.

The February schedule is as follows:

• Gifford: Capitol on Your Corner, February 24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Bibbs Country Restaurant (204 S. Main St., Gifford)
• Rantoul: Town Hall Meeting, February 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rantoul Recreation Department (100 E. Flessner Ave., Rantoul)
• Tilton: Capitol on Your Corner, February 25 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilton Village Hall (1001 Tilton Rd., Tilton)
• Champaign: Town Hall Meeting, February 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Robeson Pavilion Room C, Champaign Public Library (200 W. Green St., Champaign)
• Georgetown: Capitol on Your Corner, February 26 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Georgetown City Hall (208 S. Walnut St., Georgetown)
• Danville: Town Hall Meeting, February 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at CRIS Aging Center (309 N. Franklin St., Danville)

Stay up to date by subscribing to Senator Bennett’s e-newsletter for more details.

URBANA- State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) toured Urbana Early Childhood School and Prairie Elementary with Dr. Donald D. Owen, Superintendent of Urbana School District #116.

This tour is part of an initiative by Bennett to meet with all of the superintendents in the 52nd State Senate District to discuss their opinions on finding a school funding formula to make school funding more equitable throughout Illinois.

Bennett read The Cat in the Hat to Urbana Early Childhood School ages 3 to 5.

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) met with local business leaders and representatives from Danville Area Community College (DACC), Vermilion Advantage and the Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA).

The importance of maintaining and building a secure labor force in Vermilion and Champaign counties was weaved into the discussion throughout the day. DACC partners with Alcoa in Danville to create a specialized training program for future Alcoa employees. The training program allows students to be workforce ready immediately after graduation.

"Alcoa appreciates Sen. Bennett's commitment to working with the manufacturing community to bring new jobs and opportunities for Danville. We quickly found that he has passion and a commitment to the Champaign and Vermillion County area and to make it an example in regards to manufacturing throughout the state,” said Ray Morgan, operations manager at Alcoa Danville. “Alcoa is a leader in the automotive and aerospace industry with this facility 100% dedicated to automotive.”

Bennett will introduce legislation this year to establish a career and technical education incentive program this session. The goal would be to alleviate workforce shortages in Illinois.

“Danville Area Community College and Vermilion County business leaders have done a great job of fostering a relationship to create a stable workforce in our community,” said Bennett. “We need to replicate this model throughout the state to ensure Illinois’ workforce meets the demands of our economy.”

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