CHAMPAIGN — With many households still uncounted, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) joined State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana), State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) and Champaign-Urbana community leaders at a press conference this morning to encourage residents of Champaign County to complete the 2020 census.

“The census is quick and easy—it only takes a few moments to complete,” Bennett said. “The census determines the amount of federal funding and representation our communities receive. Champaign County is currently at risk of losing up to two congressional districts based on our current response rates.”

Across Champaign County, participation in the 2020 Census is lower than in the 2010 Census. Only 67.4% of residents have completed their census forms this year, as opposed to 70.4% of residents in 2010.  The group urges all residents to fill out their census forms it is the only way to accurately account for the entire county.

“It is crunch time. There are less than 30 days to make sure that every single person in the state is counted in the census,” Ammons said. “Funding and resources that our communities desperately need for the next ten years are on the line. So do your part. Get counted at my2020census.gov today!”

Historically, the census has undercounted certain key constituencies—including young children, people of color, urban and rural low-income households—at disproportionately high rates.

Higher self-response rates means fewer individuals are likely to receive visits from census surveyors to be counted in person. This year, census surveyors are putting their and their families’ health at risk of COVID-19, and limiting visits may mean saving lives.

"It’s very important for the future of this county that the people complete their census forms," Rose said. 

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has staff dedicated to helping people through the census completion process. There are additional assistance hubs located at the University YMCA and the City of Urbana.

Residents can also complete the census for their household at my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020.

State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) delivers cards to residents at Clark-Lindsey Village in Champaign on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020.

CHAMPAIGN – To spread some cheer in the midst of a pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) delivered 150 cards to the residents of the Clark-Lindsey Village retirement community in Champaign on Wednesday.

“This is an extremely difficult and lonely time for older adults living away from their families,” Bennett said. “The community’s response to this project has been overwhelming and uplifting. I’m grateful for their show of support to remind these folks that they are not alone.” 

Last month, Bennett launched the “Cards for Seniors” collection project, giving community members the opportunity to write an encouraging message or card to an older neighbor who may be separated from their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bennett’s office also partnered with the Panhellenic Council at the University of Illinois as part of the council’s work week virtual service event. The council used this project as a service event and as an opportunity to connect with others in the Champaign community in a safe, contactless manner.

“During this time of social distancing and staying home, it was encouraging to share these cards with the residents at Clark-Lindsey and put a smile on their face,” Bennett said.  

CHAMPAIGN – To help address the state’s blood supply shortage, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is calling on healthy, eligible donors to donate blood at two upcoming blood drives taking place next week in Urbana and Danville.

“The need for blood is greater than ever, and these drives are an effort to help meet the current demand for blood donations,” Bennett said. “If you are healthy and able, your participation is critical to help save lives during this ongoing public health crisis.”

The blood drives will take place Tuesday, Sept. 8 through Saturday, Sept. 12 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.

Donor centers are following recommendations from local, state and federal health agencies to keep staff, volunteers and donors safe. Appointments and masks will be required, and chairs in all areas will be at least six feet apart.

Healthy and eligible candidates can schedule an appointment to donate in Urbana at https://ilsendems.co/C-UBloodDrive or in Danville at https://ilsendems.co/DanvilleBloodDrive. All presenting donors will receive a voucher for a $10 gift card to a location of their choice, which can be redeemed through Sept. 20.

For more information, Bennett urges residents to contact his Champaign office at 217-355-5252 or his Danville office at 217-442-5252. Those with questions can also visit his website, SenatorBennett.com.

State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) delivers cards to Angela Rodgers, Administrator of Bowman Estates in Danville on Aug. 28, 2020.

DANVILLE – As a show of support for isolated older adults in Vermilion County, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) delivered one hundred cards to the residents of Bowman Estates of Danville on Friday.

“I want to thank the community who helped make these thoughtful cards for our older neighbors,” Bennett said. “These cards brought joy to folks stuck inside because of COVID-19 and let them know we’re thinking about them.”

Through Bennett’s “Cards for Seniors” collection this past month, community members had the opportunity to write an encouraging message or card to an older neighbor who may be separated from their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bennett’s office collected cards from the Vermilion County Board, Project Success students, Salt Fork High School students, and the Georgetown Ladies Community Club.

“This project really showed how the community can come together, especially during this period of social distancing and staying home,” Bennett said. “It was heartwarming to share these with the residents at Bowman Estates and remind them we’re all in this together.”