CHAMPAIGN – To promote economic development and ensure area residents are continuously able to bounce back from the pandemic, Champaign and Vermilion counties will see a combined $225,000 in relief grants thanks to the support of State Senator Scott Bennett.

Through the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program, the district Bennett represents will see grants to help local governments and economic development organizations develop and create plans to foster relationships with businesses. 

“Many communities in the state have experienced setbacks following the pandemic,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “These grants will help our communities get back on track and move forward.”

Funds distributed to the 52^nd District include $150,000 awarded to the Greater Champaign-Urbana Economic Partnership to improve regional market analysis that focuses on office, retail and industrial spaces in the area. Danville will also receive $75,000 in funds that will be used for the economic recovery of the city, and connectivity planning projects in the downtown area.

RISE empowers local governments to create meaningful plans with a focus on specific initiatives and investments that support recovery from the pandemic. The grants, funding through ARPA, will help improve quality of life for community members by taking a comprehensive approach to economic development through supporting the local workforce, improving affordable housing options and more.

For updates on the program or other upcoming economic recovery grant opportunities, please check DCEO's website.

DANVILLE – Following two years of health care workers being on the front lines of a global pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett recognized them for the work they did around the clock to keep the community safe by hosting a thank you event featuring free drinks from Café 13.

“Health care workers are true heroes, yet are often underappreciated,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “We must take time out of our day to ensure local health care workers are recognized and know they have our full support and appreciation.”

The recognition event hosted by Bennett was held at Café 13 in Danville. Bennett recognized the ongoing efforts of the Danville area health care community. The invitation to local health care workers included free drinks from Café 13.

Bennett recognized the employees of OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, Carle Clinic, Christie Clinic, Vermillion County Health Department, Aunt Martha’s Clinic, Crosspoint Human Services and Survivor Resource Center. 

“We appreciate Senator Bennett always showing his support for healthcare in our community,” said Marcie Sheridan, executive director of survivor Resource Center. “He is always willing to listen to us.”

Bennett encourages people across the community to remember the sacrifices health care workers make and thank them for their service.

CHAMPAIGN –State Senator Scott Bennett joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to announce a combined $9 million awarded to Champaign, Danville and Rantoul to revitalize vital parts of the community through Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program.

“Downtowns and main streets are the backbones of our communities – from the vibrant local shops to the historical beauty and everything in between,” said Bennett (D- Champaign). “These grants will help our local communities continue to prosper for years to come.”

DCEO announced a total of $106 million in capital grants awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets throughout Illinois. Among those 50 projects are three in the district Bennett represents. Funds have been allocated to redevelop historical downtown buildings in Champaign, revitalize the downtown area of Rantoul, and reconstruct parts of the Walnut Street corridor in Danville.

“Being able to keep the historic roots of our downtown areas while brining certain aspects into the 21^st century is remarkable,” Bennett said. “Through the General Assembly’s support of Rebuild Illinois, we have been able to make a difference in communities across the state.”

For more information or to see the full list of recipients, people can visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

CHAMPAIGN– The state’s 10-day tax holiday on school supplies begins today, Aug. 5. Working families and teachers can expect to have reduced shopping costs ahead of the upcoming school year, thanks to support from State Senator Scott Bennett.

“Purchasing school supplies each year can become a financial burden for both teachers and working families,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “This back-to-school tax holiday will make shopping for school supplies more affordable and will allow teachers and students to be prepared for the upcoming school year.”

The law lowers the state tax rate on school supplies and eligible clothes and footwear from 6.25% down to 1.25% for 10 days, which begins today and will run through Aug. 14, 2022.

“Not only does this tax break provide lower costs of supplies, but it supports Illinois small businesses by encouraging residents to shop local,” Bennett said. “As a father, I know how expensive this time of year can get. Join me in taking advantage of this tax holiday.” The law also created an up to $500 tax credit for educator’s out-of-pocket expenses for school supplies.

Public Act 102-0700 took effect with the governor’s signature on April 19, 2022 and was fully implemented with the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget on July 1, 2022.