DANVILLE – To help folks stay warm during the cold winter months, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and Robinson Chiropractic are collecting socks to benefit area shelters through Thursday, Dec. 23.

“The holidays are a time when we tend to be thinking of people that are in need in our community,” Bennett said. “I encourage people to consider helping folks in our shelters by donating a pair of new socks to help them 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.

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CHAMPAIGN – Students will be protected from grooming and other sexual misconduct under a new law signed today, the result of legislation by Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Children should be able to turn to their teachers when there’s a problem and trust that their teacher is acting in their best interests,” said Bennett. “This legislation is a tremendous step forward in ensuring educators are equipped to protect our children from abuse.”

Bennett’s legislation would make it mandatory for schools to develop a sexual misconduct code of conduct, review employment histories, and teach students about grooming and sexual misconduct in sex education. It would also allow schools to set aside two days of in-service learning for teachers to train on identifying such behavior and publish a resource guide on sexual abuse for parents.

The new law also aims to educate teachers and school staff about grooming and how to identify the warning signs that a teacher may be sexually abusing a student. The plan would require all schools to complete the teacher training annually by Jan. 31, starting next school year.

House Bill 1975 was signed into law Friday and has various effective dates.

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 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.

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CHAMPAIGN – The holiday season is here, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding Champaign and Vermilion County residents to keep their dollars in the community by shopping and buying local on Small Business Saturday – Saturday, Nov. 27. 

“Small businesses have been hit particularly hard over the past two years,” Bennett said. “It’s important we show them the community is here to help and support our local shops in any way possible.”

Bennett reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Bennett added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying gift cards.

“Whether it’s in-person or online, take time this Saturday, Nov. 27, and during the holiday shopping season, to shop at small businesses in our community and encourage your friends and family to do the same,” Bennett said.

Additionally, if money is tight due to the financial concerns relating to the pandemic, people can follow their social media, recommend them to friends and leave positive reviews.