DANVILLE – In an effort to lift the spirits of local older Illinoisans, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) invites people of all ages to get creative and donate homemade or store-bought valentines to support long-term care facilities in Vermilion County.

“Life is still very isolated and sending a special valentine to someone living in a long-term care facility is a wonderful gesture that is sure to put a smile on their face,” Bennett said. “Please consider taking a few minutes to create a Valentine’s Day card with a personal message to spread love to these folks.”

Bennett is encouraging churches, schools and community members in Vermilion County to write Valentine’s Day cards, which can be dropped off or mailed to his district office. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to various long-term care facilities in Danville, including Arcadia Care, Cannon Place-Veterans Affairs campus and Gardenview Manor.

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SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support higher education students across Illinois took effect Jan. 1.

“I have always prioritized education during my time in the Senate, and I believe people will need higher education and job training more than ever after this pandemic,” State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, said. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work the General Assembly accomplished this past year to help students flourish in Illinois.”

Legislation that took effect in the new year includes:

• HB 796: Starting this year, the University of Illinois will create a uniform admission pilot program, allowing community college transfer students who meet certain qualifications to automatically be accepted.
• SB 1624: This new law allows agricultural sciences and agricultural education to count as requirements for university admission.

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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 – 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.