This week Senator Bennett held the first meeting of his Agriculture Advisory panel. The goal is to keep a good conversation going with farmers and others in agribusiness, find out what issues they are facing, and to work together on solutions so that state government can help their industry thrive. At this week’s meeting, they were able to have Jerry […]
State

Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett: Bennett Pushes Bill to Help Veterans’ Families
Senator Tom Bennett has advanced legislation to help the families of veterans with their property taxes.“Veterans and their families make incredible sacrifices to protect their country and keep us safe,” said Bennett. “This legislation is designed to make sure that they receive the benefits that are rightfully owed to them.”Senate Bill 1534, filed by Bennett, fixes an issue with homestead exemptions […]

Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett: Bennett Advances Legislation to Help Educate Students on Potential Careers
State Senator Tom Bennett is working to make sure students have better information on careers as they choose what programs to pursue in college.“If students know more what educational requirements exist for certain jobs, as well as how lucrative those career paths are, then they will be able to make better choices in college,” said Bennett. “This is about empowering students […]

Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett: Governor Proposes $3 Billion Spending Increase During Budget Address
On Feb. 15, Gov. JB Pritzker proposed his fifth budget to the Illinois General Assembly during his annual Budget and State of the State Address. While he painted an idealistic image of Illinois’ fiscal outlook, he also failed to address the looming realities the Illinois economy is likely to see.The plan laid out by the Governor increases permanent state spending […]

Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett: Bennett Calls for St. Margaret’s to Reopen Maternity Services in Spring Valley
Citing the importance of health care availability to growing families, State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) has called on the management of St. Margaret’s Health to reopen full OB/Maternity services at either their Peru or Spring Valley location.“For communities to survive, they have to be able to keep and attract young people who are, or will soon be, starting families,” […]

Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett: COVID-19 Disaster Declarations to End May 11
Gov. JB Pritzker announced this week that he will be ending his continued COVID-19 disaster declarations on May 11, 2023. This announcement coincides with the decision by the White House to end the federal emergency declarations on that date.Illinois’ disaster declaration has been in place since March 9, 2020. Since then, the Governor has issued the disaster declaration every 30 […]

Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett: Valentines for Seniors Program
By TOM BENNETT Senator Bennett is asking for your help to brighten the day of senior citizens across the 53rd Senate District.“My hope is to make sure that no one feels forgotten on Valentine’s Day, especially those who are living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities,” said Bennett. “I need your help. A few minutes of your time can make a […]

Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett: Lawsuits Filed on New Gun Ban Law
Several lawsuits have already been filed in response to Illinois’ new firearms ban, which passed the General Assembly during “lame-duck” session earlier this month and was quickly signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.One of the lawsuits, filed by the Illinois State Rifle Association in federal court, argues that the new Illinois law violates the Second and 14th Amendments of the […]

Illinois State Representative Tom Bennett: Governor Signs Assault Weapons Ban
In the Lame Duck Session this week, a controversial “assault” weapons ban was passed by both chambers of the General Assembly, with the vote split mostly along party lines. While there were a few concessions made from some of the earlier proposals that had been filed, the new legislation still creates significantly extreme restrictions on gun owners, dealers, and manufacturers. […]