RANTOUL – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) joined several local officials this afternoon to celebrate a new roof over the Rantoul Historical Society Museum.

Bennett, along with Illinois State Library Director Greg McCormick and State Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian) spoke at the event and took part in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

“The Rantoul Historical Society and this museum play a crucial role in preserving local culture,” Bennett said. “I am honored to have played a very small part in helping showcase Rantoul’s rich history.”

The new roof was installed in late December and paid for by money from a special license plate fund dedicated to preserving the memory of the Chanute Air Force in Rantoul.

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SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) recognizing October 13, 2019 as “Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day” in Illinois was adopted by the Senate this week. 

Metastatic breast cancer, also called Stage IV or advanced breast cancer, is the most advanced stage of breast cancer. It occurs when the cancer has spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain.

“Despite the significant advancements in cancer treatment, metastatic breast cancer unfortunately remains incurable,” Bennett said. “It cuts short the lives of too many people in Illinois and leaves long-lasting effects on families. It’s important to shed light on the personal and social burdens of metastatic breast cancer, the needs of the patient and the promising research efforts in the development of more effective treatments.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) released the following statement today on Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed 2019-20 budget:

“I share Governor Pritzker’s belief that education is a jobs creator, and a priority for support. There is no better way to build for the future than by investing in our educational institutions and workforce development.

“Strengthening our public schools and enhancing career and technical training will connect the underemployed with high-wage, high-skilled jobs and provide our youth with more educational opportunities to excel.

“I am also encouraged to see the Governor’s commitment to rebuild after the damage inflicted on higher education in our state over the last four years. Increasing investments into the MAP program in particular is an excellent way to keep the best and brightest in our state.

“At first glance, this is a solid first step in restoring stability to our state, but I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature and the Governor to ensure that we address the needs of working families in Champaign and Vermilion Counties and throughout the state.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) released the following statement after the Senate voted to approve legislation that will raise the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 per hour over the course of six years:

“Since the day I was sworn in to the Senate, I have pledged to do all I can to help make lives easier for families across Champaign and Vermilion Counties. By increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025 for the majority of workers, we are achieving the goal of lifting working families up to improve their quality of life.

“Workers with full-time jobs should never be forced to live in poverty. Minimum wage workers are employed in many of the service jobs that are vital to the care of the most vulnerable and in jobs that serve the public. They deserve a fair wage that respects the work they do in service to others.

“Putting the minimum wage on a clear and responsible path toward $15 an hour will provide Illinois’ hardest workers with dignity, fairness and stability.”

The legislation is Senate Bill 1. Having passed the Senate, it moves to the House for consideration.