SPRINGFIELD- New State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) continues to travel across the 52nd District this month, hosting town hall meetings and “Capitol on your Corner” events throughout Champaign and Vermilion counties.

“I have enjoyed meeting with community leaders and residents during my first month in office.  I look forward to continuing to meet with more people to hear about their concerns and priorities for our communities to help me better represent the 52nd District in Springfield,” said Bennett. “I invite everyone to come out and let me know their thoughts on the important issues we face.”

Throughout the next year, Bennett plans to visit every community in the 52nd District.

The February schedule is as follows:

• Gifford: Capitol on Your Corner, February 24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Bibbs Country Restaurant (204 S. Main St., Gifford)
• Rantoul: Town Hall Meeting, February 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rantoul Recreation Department (100 E. Flessner Ave., Rantoul)
• Tilton: Capitol on Your Corner, February 25 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilton Village Hall (1001 Tilton Rd., Tilton)
• Champaign: Town Hall Meeting, February 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Robeson Pavilion Room C, Champaign Public Library (200 W. Green St., Champaign)
• Georgetown: Capitol on Your Corner, February 26 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Georgetown City Hall (208 S. Walnut St., Georgetown)
• Danville: Town Hall Meeting, February 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at CRIS Aging Center (309 N. Franklin St., Danville)

Stay up to date by subscribing to Senator Bennett’s e-newsletter for more details.

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) met with local business leaders and representatives from Danville Area Community College (DACC), Vermilion Advantage and the Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA).

The importance of maintaining and building a secure labor force in Vermilion and Champaign counties was weaved into the discussion throughout the day. DACC partners with Alcoa in Danville to create a specialized training program for future Alcoa employees. The training program allows students to be workforce ready immediately after graduation.

"Alcoa appreciates Sen. Bennett's commitment to working with the manufacturing community to bring new jobs and opportunities for Danville. We quickly found that he has passion and a commitment to the Champaign and Vermillion County area and to make it an example in regards to manufacturing throughout the state,” said Ray Morgan, operations manager at Alcoa Danville. “Alcoa is a leader in the automotive and aerospace industry with this facility 100% dedicated to automotive.”

Bennett will introduce legislation this year to establish a career and technical education incentive program this session. The goal would be to alleviate workforce shortages in Illinois.

“Danville Area Community College and Vermilion County business leaders have done a great job of fostering a relationship to create a stable workforce in our community,” said Bennett. “We need to replicate this model throughout the state to ensure Illinois’ workforce meets the demands of our economy.”

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The primary goal of ISAC's outreach efforts is to help families navigate the steps of the college admission and financial aid processes. They offer or participate in a number of college fairs, financial aid nights and FAFSA completion workshops.

For a list of items to bring to a FAFSA completion workshop or a complete list of ISAC workshops hosted throughout the state, visit ISAC's Outreach Calendar.

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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Scott Bennett (D – Champaign) was appointed this week to represent Illinois on the Midwestern Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC).

“Affordable and rapid transportation throughout Illinois, especially Champaign-Urbana to Chicago, is vital for economic development and job creation in our community,” said Bennett. “Champaign-Urbana has a lot to offer. We need to continue to work toward making our community easily accessible to ensure everyone is able to take advantage of our community’s amenities.”

MIPRC brings state leaders from across the nation together to advocate for coordinated passenger rail improvements. Members currently include Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

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