SPRINGFIELD – To ensure communities have a safe option to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Scott Bennett supported a new law to create a statewide disposal program.

“Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “Creating a statewide drug take-back programs provides options to safely dispose of prescription drugs as well as educate the public on the associated risks.”

While some counties in Illinois have already established similar programs, there is no statewide system in place to safely collect and dispose of medications, leaving some counties without a secure way to throw away these substances.

SPRINGFIELD – Men will be able to get annual prostate cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket cost thanks to a measure supported by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) that was signed into law Friday.

“Prostate cancer can be life-threatening,” Bennett said. “This new law will allow more men to access prostate cancer screening without barriers and ultimately save lives.”

The law, originally House Bill 5318, will require private insurers to provide all qualifying male policyholders with an annual prostate cancer screening upon the recommendations of a physician.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will now have more access to mental and behavioral health specialists thanks to a law signed Friday supported by State Senator Scott Bennett.

“People living with mental health conditions often go without treatment because of the obstacles in place,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “This new law breaks down those barriers and will help people access the care they need when they need it the most.”

In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely because of this gap. This can be detrimental to their mental and physical well-being.

CHAMPAIGN – On Sunday, May 29, Illinois will be celebrating College Savings Day thanks to a resolution led by Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett.

“As parents and children set their sights on the kinds of careers they want to pursue, we want them to know that saving through 529 College Savings Plans can help them get there,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “College Savings Day is a great reminder that families can achieve their education savings goals.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure supported by State Senator Scott Bennett to help former foster children get in contact with their former families was signed into law Friday.

“Youth in the foster care system often become very close with their foster families before they are adopted,” said Bennett (D-Champaign), a co-sponsor of the legislation. “These kids deserve access to the family that cared for them as they transition to a new family.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to save students money, Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Scott Bennett spearheaded a new law to make course materials more accessible.

“In the fight to make college more affordable and accessible for Illinois families, we can’t overlook the rising costs of textbooks,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “It’s become apparent that traditional publishers are not providing students the materials they need at a cost they can afford so we have to consider cost-saving alternatives.”

URBANA – In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, State Senator Scott Bennett is reminding farmers and ranchers experiencing stress to take advantage of the Farm Family Resource Initiative hotline.

“It’s important for farmers to break the stigma of internalizing their stress and understand they can ask for help,” said State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “The FFRI program has already proven its success over the past couple years and has given farmers the opportunity to talk about their struggles to avoid negative consequences.”

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.