CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett recently announced that three school districts in the Champaign County will receive $50,000 each as recipients of the 2022 School Maintenance Grant Program.

“The safety of our children begins with the improvement of our infrastructure. It is imperative that our children are provided with a safe, healthy and stable learning environment,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “Each grant will provide the necessary funding to properly build the learning environment our students deserve.”

School district awarded the grant include Thomasboro CCSD 130, Rantoul City SD 137, and St Joseph CCSD 169.

A total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was dispersed to school districts across the state. Funding received from the grants will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of educational facilities.

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CHAMPAIGN – To kick off Parks and Recreation Month, State Senator Scott Bennett announced funding for investments in four local parks and forest preserves in Champaign County.

“Parks are a great resource that offers many benefits to everyone in our community,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “OSLAD grants allow our park districts to stretch tax dollars to improve our parks to better serve residents.”

Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program grants are administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and support local park projects. When combined with local matching funds, the latest OSLAD grants provide more than $56 million in local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide.

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CHAMPAIGN – With Independence Day right around the corner, State Senator Scott Bennett is joining law enforcement officials in reminding people to celebrate safely and drive sober.

“Unfortunately, the holiday weekend can create dangerous driving situations when individuals choose to drive while impaired,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “I encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly by booking a safe ride home or designating a sober driver if your celebrations include alcohol.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation launched a multimedia safety campaign – “It’s Not a Game” – that drives home the message there are no extra lives, no respawns and no second chances to get it right when you are behind the wheel.

Last year in Illinois during the July Fourth holiday period from July 2-5, there were 22 car wreck fatalities, which is the highest total in the last five years. Officials are urging residents to plan ahead to prevent a tragedy.

“Illinois State Police Troopers will be out in full force over the holiday weekend looking for impaired drivers,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Driving while impaired due to alcohol or drugs can be a costly decision that puts your life and the lives of other people on the road in danger. Be responsible this Fourth of July and don’t lose your independence by losing your license or your freedom by going to jail.”

The Fourth of July “It’s Not a Game” campaign is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.