SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) introduced legislation this week to create a hands-on agriculture teacher training program in Illinois high schools for those interested in studying to become agriculture teachers in college.

“Agriculture is more than just our state’s leading industry. It’s also central to our economy and our way of life,” said Bennett, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Creating a pre-service teacher training program to give prospective agriculture students the fundamentals they need to succeed will help to ensure the next generation of family farmers will keep the industry strong for years to come.”

The proposed legislation would also provide grants to students who qualify and attend a university or community college that offer an agricultural education teacher course.

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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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