CHAMPAIGN – To lift up area residents in need of a helping hand, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is hosting a collection drive to benefit the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Champaign during January.

“Organizations like the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen continue to need our support during these challenging times,” Bennett said. “I’m spearheading this hygiene product drive to help replenish the stock at the soup kitchen and ensure no one goes without proper hygiene products during the winter months.”

Bennett’s office is collecting new products including deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, hand lotion, hand warmers, chapstick, gloves, hats, socks, scarves and small treats. Hygiene items can be dropped off at Bennett’s district office located at 45 E. University Ave., Suite 206 in Champaign.

With questions or for additional information, Bennett urges residents to contact his office at 217-355-5252 or visit SenatorBennett.com.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding Illinois drivers they will now have an additional three months to renew their licenses.

“The secretary of state’s office is taking the necessary steps to protect the public and its employees,” Bennett said. “This deadline extensions gives everybody the opportunity to skip the long lines and get their licenses renewed on time.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced Friday that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards has been extended an additional three months to March 31, 2022. However, the new expiration date does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations.

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CHAMPAIGN – Starting Jan. 1, pharmaceutical companies are required to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale, thanks to State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Drug price transparency plays a key role in reducing the rising prices of prescription medications,” Bennett said. “People have the right to know which payment method – insurance or cash – would provide the most savings when purchasing their prescriptions.”

Under the law, pharmacies would be required to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices. Customers will also be told the retail price of a prescription drug, both in writing and electronically, prior to purchase.

“Under this new law, consumers will finally have access to the pricing information for their medication and have the ability to make an informed decision about where to buy their prescriptions,” Bennett said.

Public Act 102-0400 takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

URBANA – In an effort to meet the current demand for blood donations in Champaign and Vermilion Counties, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is partnering with ImpactLife to host community blood drives in Urbana and Danville this January.

“Blood donations continue to be essential to the health of people in our community,” Bennett said. “There is a critical need for blood donations from healthy individuals, and this weeklong event will be a safe opportunity to help strengthen our blood supply.” 

The blood drives will take place Monday, Jan. 3 through Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Urbana Donor Center, located at 1408 W. University Ave. in Urbana, and the Danville Elks Donor Center, located at 300 E. Liberty Lane in Danville. Donation hours at the Urbana location can be found here, and Danville here.

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