SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) continued his years-long effort to protect Illinois communities from toxic coal ash pollution by passing legislation through the Senate Saturday to ensure only trained employees work on coal ash removal projects.

“Coal ash, the toxic byproduct of burning coal in a power plant, is extremely dangerous and creates challenges for communities who want to reuse former coal plant sites or attract new businesses,” Bennett said. “Proper cleanup is essential to correcting coal's toxic footprint in Illinois.”

Bennett introduced House Bill 3783 to establish training standards for workers constructing, installing, modifying or closing Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) surface impediments, otherwise known as coal ash pits.

Under Bennett’s plan, anyone working on a coal ash pit would be required to participate in training programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The training would cover erosion control and environmental remediation, as well as the operation of heavy equipment and excavation. 

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) to include contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line on student identification cards passed the Senate this week. 

“Students are constantly required to use their student ID cards, and keeping these mental health resources close at hand can be the difference between life and death,” Bennett said. “While we hope nobody has to use these numbers, no one is immune to mental health issues. If students need it, the helpline number is right in their pocket.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help students make more informed choices about the loans they take out to pay for college as well as establish new accountability standards for private loan companies, Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) passed a measure through the Senate Friday.

“We have some of the best and brightest in our state, and yet many of them still struggle to navigate their student loan options,” Bennett said. “By giving students additional tools to see what their student borrowing really means, we can lessen some of the uncertainty they face after graduation.”

Bennett introduced the Know Before You Owe Private Education Loan Act, which requires private lenders to confirm with a potential borrower’s school that the student’s tuition, housing and other costs are not covered by other sources of financial aid. Additionally, the legislation requires colleges and universities to notify students about their federal loan eligibility before certifying private loans.

CHAMPAIGN – During the national ‘Border to Border’ campaign, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) supports the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies across the state to step up seat belt patrols and enforcement zones through Memorial Day.

“With more people on the road traveling to see friends and loved ones for Memorial Day weekend, it’s vital that we remind drivers to buckle up so everyone on the roadway can be as safe as possible,” Bennett said. “Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, a child or an adult, wear your seatbelt so everyone can make it to their destination safely.”

Organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as part of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, Border to Border harnesses the power of 10,000 agencies across the nation – between states, cities and jurisdictions – to increase seat belt use in order to save lives.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to help children and families build a meaningful college savings fund, Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) passed a measure through the Senate Thursday to improve the Illinois Higher Education Savings Program.

“The price of a college education can be overwhelming when you add up tuition, books and student fees,” Bennett said. “It’s important that families start building a savings account for their children now so they are prepared for the future.” 

In 2019, the Illinois Higher Education Savings Program, established as part of the Illinois treasurer’s existing Bright Start and Bright Directions programs, was signed into law. Under this law, the treasurer will automatically deposit $50 into a college savings account for every child born or adopted in Illinois.

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced the Illinois Department of Transportation has slated an estimated $45.3 million in infrastructure projects to improve roads throughout Vermilion County.

“Transportation infrastructure is an essential part of daily living for drivers who are traveling for work, running errands, or visiting our area,” Bennett said. “We need to continue to improve our state’s aging infrastructure by making our roadways more accessible for commuters.”

IDOT announced a number of major infrastructure projects representing an estimated $45.3 million in investments for the area, including:

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) advanced legislation through the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee Thursday to continue efforts to protect Illinois communities from toxic coal ash pollution.

“Coal ash, the byproduct of burning coal in a power plant, is extremely hazardous and can leave a lasting impact on the environment, even after a plant has closed,” Bennett said. “It’s important that we take precautions to protect Illinois residents, water sources and wildlife from toxic spills."

Bennett introduced House Bill 3783 to establish training standards for workers constructing, installing, modifying or closing Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) surface impediments, otherwise known as coal ash pits.

Under Bennett’s plan, anyone working on a coal ash pit would be required to participate in training programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The training would cover erosion control and environmental remediation, as well as the operation of heavy equipment and excavation. 

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) moved a measure through committee Tuesday to help students make more informed choices about the loans they take out to pay for college, as well as establish new accountability standards for private loan companies.

“Student debt in Illinois has been climbing, and it’s becoming a major issue for recent graduates and their families,” Bennett said. “The student loan market can be confusing, so it’s important students and families know if they qualify for federal loans before taking on private loans.”

Bennett introduced the Know Before You Owe Private Education Loan Act, which requires private lenders to confirm with a potential borrower’s school that the student’s tuition, housing and other costs are not covered by other sources of financial aid. Additionally, the legislation requires colleges and universities to notify students about their federal loan eligibility before certifying private loans.