CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott M. Bennett (D-Champaign) passed earlier today surrounded by his wife, family and loved ones at Carle Hospital in Urbana from complications of a large brain tumor. 

His wife Stacy released the following statement: 

“We are devastated to share that our beloved Scott has passed away. We remain in complete shock because it was all so sudden and unexpected.

“Scott will forever be known for being an extraordinary father, husband, and friend. His quick humor and wit could light up any room he entered. We will miss his stories, the way he could always make people laugh, and his genuine kindness.  

“Scott lived a life full of service and constantly looked for ways to lend his time and energy to helping our community and state. He worked tirelessly to find solutions to society’s most pressing issues by finding common ground and compromise. To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement. 

“We appreciate the amazing care he received at Carle Foundation Hospital and thank all of the doctors, nurses, and staff who provided Scott with excellent care and support for his family. We are also grateful for the outpouring of love and support. Scott’s impact on our community is very evident. 

“At this time, we ask that our privacy is respected as we navigate this difficult time.”

(At this time, the family has requested no flowers and plants. The family will name a charity organization to send donations to honor his memory in the coming days.)

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is seeking motivated, community-minded University of Illinois and Parkland College students to serve in his Champaign district office as interns.

“Internships provide a tremendous opportunity for our young leaders to get a front-row seat to our state’s legislative process,” Bennett said. “I encourage students aspiring to have a career in public service to apply to join our team.”

Interns would take on an active role in Bennett’s office, helping plan events, assisting with outreach to community organizations and local governments, and researching legislative initiatives. Interns will have the opportunity to attend in-person events with the senator when necessary.

The position requires a minimum commitment of five hours per week from January to May, but scheduling is flexible. Bennett’s office will work with interns seeking college credit for the internship.

Bennett’s staff is hiring interns on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able. Applicants should email Rachel Spencer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a resume and a brief explanation of their interest in joining the 52nd District team before Jan. 9, 2023.

DANVILLE – To help residents stay warm this winter, State Senator Scott Bennett, in partnership with Robinson Chiropractic, is having a sock drive to benefit shelters across Danville.

“Socks are a major sought-out item of clothing by people experiencing homelessness,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “With winter approaching, I’m asking people to consider donating a pair of new socks to help our neighbors in need keep warm.”

Worn-out or ragged socks put people at serious risk of foot disease and, during the winter months, in severe danger from the cold. As a result, new socks are greatly needed by those experiencing homelessness—but they are the least donated clothing item at homeless shelters.

From now until Dec. 27, community members are encouraged to donate new socks for men, women and children at the collection locations below:

• Bennett’s District Office located at 201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323 in Danville
  •  Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Robinson Chiropractic located at 3595 N. Vermilion St. in Danville
  • Monday- Friday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Danville Public Library located at 319 N. Vermilion St. in Danville

Collection boxes will be located outside of each office and donations will benefit Crosspoint at the Y Homeless Program, Danville Rescue Mission and Fair Hope Children’s Ministry.

For questions or additional information, contact Bennett’s office at 217-442-5252 or Robinson Chiropractic at 217-442-2273.

CHAMPAIGN – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Immigrant Cooperative with Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has been awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, State Senator Scott Bennett announced Thursday.  

“It is to no surprise that the pandemic left major health gaps in Illinois’ rural and minority communities,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “These communities that have suffered are now able to see improvements in bettering resident’s health and well-being through the ARISE program.”

Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity (ARISE) is a joint initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Minority Health Services and The Center for Rural Health, in collaboration with Well-Being and Equity (WE) in the World.

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is one of the 18 organizations across Illinois awarded funding to address systemic health disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ARISE intends to support socio-economically disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities outside of Cook County that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Further, organizations will be able to address enduring health inequities in their communities that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The selected ARISE Community Equity Zone communities will engage in a rigorous “learning-and-doing” capacity building program to advance health equity in the short, medium and long term. The community coalitions will address inequities in mental, physical and social well-being in communities that are experiencing the brunt of these disparities by connecting people to vaccinations, food, and other well-being needs. They will also address underlying community needs such as humane housing, reliable transportation, and the root causes of these inequities, including racism and poverty.

“The communities that already had preexisting inequities prior to the pandemic were made worse,” said Bennett. “Through grant programs like ARISE and community efforts, we can put the state on a path toward greater post-pandemic healing.”

To learn more about the ARISE initiative, people can visit www.weintheworld.org/arise-project.