CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett is reminding Illinois residents that October is College Changes Everything Month in Illinois. This month, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission teams up with high schools and community partners to support students in their college admission processes.

“The transition from high school to college can be confusing to students, which often times turns away interest in pursuing higher education,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “College Changes Everything Month is a great time to take advantage of the resources available to high school seniors.”

College Changes Everything is a college access movement that recognizes that college can be a life changing experience not only for students, but also for families and communities. In Illinois and across the nation, those who obtain education beyond high school not only see a significant impact on their potential career prospects and future salary, but also reduced levels of poverty, life expectancy, crime, and obesity rates in their communities.

Changes are being implemented in making education after high school more accessible for students, including changes to the FAFSA, expansion of federal Pell Grant eligibility and a $122 million increase in state funding for the Monetary Award Program.

“As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, it is important to me that students are able to understand the process of applying to higher education institutions,” said Bennett. “I want students and their families to know there is help out there when it comes to applying to colleges.”

This month is an essential part of helping Illinois reach its goal of increasing the proportion of adults in the state with high quality degrees or credentials to 60% by 2025. Find out more and join the conversation at collegechangeseverything.org.

CHAMPAIGN – To help ensure the State of Illinois achieves the goals of the SAFE-T Act, State Senator Scott Bennett filed legislation to clarify language and improve how officials can enforce the law.

“As a former prosecutor, I understand the importance of presuming innocence for individuals before being proven guilty, supporting police and keeping violent criminals out of our neighborhoods,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “Senate Bill 4228 is an effort to improve consistency in the SAFE-T Act and allow law enforcement officials to continue to effectively perform their duties and protect our communities.”

The intent of the law aims to do away with cash bail in an effort to end systemic racism in the criminal justice system. Senate Bill 4228 updates many provisions in the SAFE-T Act by clarifying language to address concerns raised by local law enforcement officials.

Sen. Bennett’s legislation states pretrial release will apply to individuals arrested on or after Jan. 1, 2023. The measure also permits judges to deny pretrial release for any alleged crime if the person arrested poses a threat to the safety of any person or the community.

Sen. Bennett is going to continue to work with all stakeholders, advocates, and his colleagues in hopes of a resolution on these issues during the fall Veto Session.

CHAMPAIGN – Millions of Illinoisans are waiting to receive their tax rebates as part of the Illinois Family Relief Plan. State Senator Scott Bennett is reminding residents they can easily check their rebate status online.

“Many Illinois residents are set to receive tax rebates that will help with current financial burdens,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “Many have already received their rebates, but if you have not, it’s simple to check the status of it.”

Supported by Bennett, the Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, a bipartisan bill which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates. The rebates began to roll out Sept. 12, leaving many to wonder when the funds will arrive.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate – otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so. To check the status of a rebate, click here and select “Where’s My Rebate?” An IL-PIN number is necessary to check the status. To find an IL-PIN number, click here and select “IL-PIN Inquiry.”

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per independent, with a maximum of three. 

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointing – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

“The rebates are intended to help families and individuals with daily necessities,” said Bennett. “Don’t worry if you still haven’t received your rebate. You can check the status online today.” 

For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see qualification criteria, people can visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.

CHAMPAIGN – Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates in the coming weeks thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan, backed by State Senator Scott Bennett.

“In recent years, communities have been struck with financial distress,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “Giving back to these communities so they can start to recover is the right thing to do.”

Supported by Bennett, the Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates.

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three. 

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointing – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate– otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so. 

“It is important for families in Illinois to know they are not alone,” Bennett said. “The purpose of these rebates is to help residents with everyday expenses – from buying gas to putting food on the table, and everything in between.”  

For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see qualification criteria, people can visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.