CHAMPAIGN – On Wednesday, May 4, Illinois will be celebrating Firefighters’ Day in Illinois thanks to a resolution supported by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Firefighters risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” Bennett said. “Although firefighters deserve our community’s respect throughout the year, designating a day statewide is important to recognize their efforts and contributions to protecting our communities.”

Firefighters’ Day honors the fearless men and women who not only run toward burning buildings and risk their own lives to save others but are often the first response when medical attention is required in homes and businesses.

“The firefighters of Illinois dedicate their lives to protect and serve others,” Bennett said. “This day will recognize their endless sacrifices.”

The resolution was adopted during the spring legislative session. Bennett encourages Illinois residents to show their support to their local firefighters on May 4.

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is thrilled to announce that the Danville Sanitary District is set to receive more than $9.6 million in water infrastructure funding.

“Repairing and upgrading our aging infrastructure is part of our ongoing efforts to protect public health and the environment,” Bennett said. “These funds will go a long way in helping wastewater treatment in our community.” 

The funds come from the Illinois EPA's State Revolving Fund Program, which includes the Water Pollution Control Loan Program and the Public Water Supply Loan Program. These programs provide low-interest loans to fund wastewater, stormwater and drinking water projects.

The Danville Sanitary District will use the funds to replace and update aging pumps and other equipment, as well as adding an energy efficient system that utilizes biogas. This project will help the District produce drainage that is within the limits set forth in their federal wastewater permit.

“Through these projects, our community will make significant strides to protect the environment and our residents,” Bennett said. “I’m pleased to see this program at work for Danville.” 

Projects are funded throughout the state through the Rebuild Illinois program, and recipients will receive an interest rate of 1.11% for both wastewater and drinking water loans. Find more information about Illinois EPA’s SRF program here. 

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office are hosting a Senior Fraud Seminar for residents in Vermilion County. 

“Scammers are getting more and more creative over the phone and internet, and they’re targeting older Illinoisans’ wallets,” Bennett said. “Join me next month and learn how to protect yourself.”

Bennett has asked the attorney general’s office to discuss how to avoid imposter scams, robocalls, payment mechanism and identity theft, as well as how to check credit reports and file a consumer fraud complaint.

WHO: State Senator Scott Bennett and Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office 
WHAT: Senior Fraud Seminar
WHEN: Wednesday, April 20 at 3 p.m.         
WHERE: Danville Public Library 
 319 N. Vermilion St. in Danville
RSVP (recommended): Call Senator Bennett’s office at 217-442-5252

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) supported a tax relief plan that prioritizes working families, providing them with assistance following two years of financial distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are looking toward the future and setting Illinois up for success with a tax relief plan that will help our state thrive for years to come,” Bennett said. “With an increase in prices at the gas pump, grocery checkout line and other places, people are feeling the financial strain.”

Under the tax relief plan, direct checks of $50 per individual and $100 per child, up to three children per family, will be sent to families. The income limits for eligibility to receive the funds are $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for joint filers, allowing over 95% of taxpayers to receive these checks.

“Giving a check back to people is about maximizing utility,” Bennett said. “We trust Illinoisans to use the money how they see fit. This helps families, businesses and the Illinois economy as a whole.”

The tax relief plan, also known as House Bill 1539, passed the Senate Saturday.