SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and several state senators joined the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association and the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council Thursday to unveil a package of proposals to support, fund and provide law enforcement officers with resources to serve and protect communities.

“Our law enforcement officials often endure the strain of the state’s criminal justice system,” said Bennett. “This public safety package is bringing legislators and law enforcement to the table to place a greater emphasis on safety for our communities moving forward by helping our public safety officers.”

The package aims to provide solutions to several of the problems law enforcement officers are facing including assisting departments with new grant opportunities, providing departments with additional tools to investigate crimes and helping departments utilize resources to address inmate mental health concerns.

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SPRINGFIELD – Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is breaking down barriers for Illinois students seeking a college education with his free textbook incentive legislation that passed committee Tuesday.

“A huge issue that students seeking a college education face today is affordability of course materials,” Bennett said. “By eliminating a significant educational expense for our students staying in-state for college, we are removing a huge financial burden for students and families.”

According to The College Board, the average student budget for college books and supplies during the 2020-2021 academic year was $1,298 at four-year public institutions. A survey conducted by the U.S. PIRG found that 65% of students decided not to buy a textbook because of the cost, and 94% of those students worried it would negatively affect their grade.

Under Bennett’s proposal – Senate Bill 3856 – public universities and community colleges would be required to provide all necessary coursework materials for rental free of charge for Illinois students.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is partnering with the Illinois treasurer’s office to bring an I-Cash event to Champaign.

The event will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28 at the Champaign Public Library located at 200 W. Green St. in Champaign.

“Many people who have unclaimed property with the state aren’t aware they’re owed money,” Bennett said. “I’m thrilled to partner with the treasurer’s office to help folks claim property that belongs to them.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Following Gov. JB Prtizker’s Budget Address Wednesday, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) expressed his support of the governor’s plans to prioritize students, workers and families.

“As we continue our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the needs of our colleges and universities must be met,” Bennett said. “The governor’s proposal makes some important commitments to help alleviate the struggle many families face when considering sending their children off to college.”

The governor’s proposal increases funding from $122 million to $601 million for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), which provides financial assistance to Illinois residents who attend approved Illinois colleges. This will help ensure current recipients will continue to qualify and at least 24,000 more students will have access to academic opportunities.

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