DANVILLE – Danville School District 118 will receive more than $2.1 million in new money through the education funding overhaul passed by the Senate last year, announced State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

Under the school funding reform plan, schools will continue to receive the same state assistance they previously received.  However, the new formula is designed to ensure the most state assistance will be directed to school districts most in need.

“For far too long, many downstate school districts like those in Danville were being left behind by the state,” Bennett said. “Now, for the first time we have a funding formula that provides fair and adequate funding for students throughout the state.”

The distribution is based on detailed enrollment figures, district-specific student learning needs, available local resources and other data. No schools in Danville will receive less state funding than they do today.

“Every school in Danville is a winner under this plan,” Bennett said. “This new money is a good first step in giving students, teachers and parents in Danville the equitable and fair funding level that they deserve.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) listened to the University of Illinois system administration testify before the Senate Appropriations II Committee today on their budget request for Fiscal Year 2019.

“As we work towards a budget, I look forward to working with my colleagues to guarantee that the University of Illinois can acquire the funds it needs to maintain its position as one of the most prestigious universities in the Midwest and the nation,” Bennett said. “I’ve always believed that if we care about the future of our state, we must invest in its next generation and protect our universities and colleges.”

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DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is working to bring more help to those affected by flood damage in his district.

Last month, flooding from heavy rainfall along rivers and in low-lying areas forced Vermilion County families to evacuate their homes and caused destruction to personal property, roads and government buildings.

Personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local emergency management agencies are expected to begin assessing damages to homes and business in the area next Monday.

“These damage assessments are a good first step to take in order to get those affected by the flood all the help they need,” Bennett said. "Hopefully, we can all work together to help families and business owners across Vermilion County get back on their feet.” 

In Vermilion County, those in need of assistance can contact the Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency at (217 443-6010 or the American Red Cross at (217) 431-5600.

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly one-third of Americans today must be licensed by the government in order to do their jobs. As debt levels rise, creditors are taking increasingly tough actions to chase the 44 million people who have outstanding student loans. To prevent that debt from being used to deny professional licenses, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) introduced a measure today to combat this and protect graduate students from losing their jobs.

“It should be obvious that taking away someone’s job if they fall behind on student loans is counterproductive,” Bennett said. “If you aren’t able to work, you won’t be able to pay back your loans and will sink further into debt.”

Senate Bill 2439, the Career Preservation and Student Loan Repayment Act, will put provisions in place to prevent licensing agencies from denying, revoking, or suspending licenses to individuals with student loan default in 38 professions such as occupational therapists, teachers, structural engineers, home inspectors and real estate agents.

Illinois is currently one of 22 states that have laws in place to suspend professional licenses and certificates in the event an individual must default on their student loans.

“It’s tragic that so many of our graduates have seemingly insurmountable student debt, and of course it’s appropriate to hold people accountable for their loans,” Bennett said. “However, we need to be empowering people to go to work, not taking away their ability to earn a living.”

SB 2439 passed the Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee and will now be considered by the full Senate.