CHAMPAIGN - The Senate’s Committee on Agriculture will be seeing a new face in leadership. An announcement from Agriculture Committee Chairman Bill Cunningham appoints State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) as Vice-Chairperson of Agriculture.

“Senator Bennett has continued to show a passion for promoting agriculture throughout his community and the state,” Cunningham said. “He understands the important role agriculture plays in our state’s economy and will be an asset to the committee as vice chairman.”

Bennett has been serving on the committee for the last two years. He is excited for an opportunity to steer and promote agriculture policies in the senate.

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CHAMPAIGN- Illinois National Guard members will soon be able to receive veterans status on Illinois identification cards thanks to State Senator Scott Bennett’s initiative that was signed into law today.

Senate Bill 2173 addresses complaints from National Guard members not being classified as veterans since they had not been called to active duty by the President of the United States, Congress or the Governor of Illinois.  

“It’s our duty to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans regardless of their rank or what branch of military they are in,” said Bennett, a Champaign Democrat. “This is one simple step we can take to work toward giving veterans benefits they deserve.”

Senate Bill 2173 also clarifies that the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs will certify and verify the status of veterans for Illinois identification cards.

“Our veterans have served to protect our values, now, in turn, it is our job to honor the sacrifices they have made,” Bennett said. “We need to do whatever we can to honor our nation’s veterans.”

Senate Bill 2173 was signed into law on Friday, July 15 and goes into effect immediately.

RANTOUL- Working to bring state services to residents in Rantoul, State Senator Scott Bennett (D–Champaign) and his staff will be at the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce building on Tuesday, July 12.  

Bennett’s office holds office hours the second Tuesday of every month to assist residents with state and local issues.

Bennett’s staff will be present to help Rantoul residents with concealed carry applications, inquiries with the Illinois Department of Employment Security, health care, veteran or disability issues, Medicare paperwork, foreclosure prevention assistance and much more.

Area residents are welcome to stop by the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce building to receive assistance with needed services.

Date: Tuesday, July 12
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Office (120 E. Sangamon Ave. Rantoul, IL)

To view a complete list of upcoming events call Senator Bennett’s Champaign office at (217) 355-5252.  

SPRINGFIELD- Local schools will receive $4.1 million more under the new bipartisan plan approved by the General Assembly today.
 
State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) advanced legislation to increase education funding for Champaign and Vermilion counties.

“Schools need to open their doors on time this fall,” Bennett said.  “It was important that all levels of government regardless of any political party, find a way to work together to reach a compromise. We can’t risk our children’s future for the sake of political games.”

Area schools would see the following increases in funding:

Danville Community Consolidated School District No. 118            $ 1,495,066
Champaign Community Unit School District 4                                 $    864,435
Urbana School District 116                                                                $    629,035
Rantoul City School District 137                                                        $    503,931

This measure also includes $1.8 million in funding for agriculture education.
 
“We know here in Vermilion and Champaign counties, that agribusiness is the backbone of our economy,” Bennett said. “It’s essential for us to make these vital investments.”

The Senate, House and governor worked together to pass a bipartisan budget compromise.