Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 | 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Coffee and Conversations with Senator Tom Bennett
Building relationships, one cup at a time.
At Washington Family Restaurant
1269 Peoria St #2352 Washington, IL 61571
Office Hours: Click here for the weekly office hours.
Bennett-sponsored legislation expanding excused absences for FFA, 4-H events
The Governor signed a bill sponsored by Senator Bennett into law on Monday. House Bill 3814 changes the Illinois School Code to count any work-based learning experience as school attendance, including FFA and 4-H programs. FFA and 4-H provide opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and career success. The programs educate youth to become the best leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and builders we need to help shape the future of Illinois. This is an exciting change for our students in Illinois. “This is an exciting change for our students of Illinois,” said Sen. Bennett. “Students will be able to explore what learning events will have to offer without having to worry about their attendance standing being affected. I believe the best way to learn is though hands-on experiences, so I am eager for our students.”
Sen. Bennett dissatisfied by Governor’s veto of bill to ease Illinois’ nuclear ban
Last week, Governor Pritzker vetoed Senate Bill 76, which would have lifted the state’s moratorium on nuclear projects and allowed for the potential construction of technologically advanced small modular reactors. Senate Bill 76 is a good bill that passed the General Assembly by a wide margin with strong bipartisan support. Illinois needs a strong, reliable power grid; this legislation would have been a big step in that direction. Unfortunately, Governor Pritzker failed to deliver what would have been best for the state’s energy needs. He would have assisted Illinois in its efforts to build a cleaner, stronger, and more robust power supply. Sen. Bennett urges the Senate President and Speaker of the House to call for a vote to override this veto this fall.
Senator Bennett’s Traveling Office Hours
Senator Bennett wants to make it easy for the constituents across his district to get any assistance they need. With his 2 offices being in Morris and Pontiac, this will provide more opportunities for constituents to speak with district staff directly. The traveling office hours are every Tuesday of every month. The office hours are in the following towns of his district: Streator, Coal City, Lexington, Metamora, Washington, and Towanda. To find out more details and times, visit Senator Bennett’s traveling office hours.
How much do we owe?
As of the time of this writing, the State of Illinois owes $1,445,101,173.01 to state vendors, including 18,461 pending vouchers. This figure represents the amount of bills submitted to the office of the Comptroller and still awaiting payment. It does not include debts that can only be estimated, such as our unfunded pension liability which is subject to a wide range of factors and has been estimated to be more than $139 billion. At the same time last year, the state’s accounts payable stood at a little less than $2 billion.
Did You Know?
The Giant Slide at the Illinois State Fair has been in operation since 1968. The yellow slide is 40 feet high and 130 feet long. It is now owned and operated by Doug Knight, who plans to operate it seasonally, outside of the 11-day state fair. It was just recently embossed with the Route 66 logo to enhance the Route 66 experience through Springfield. Senator Bennett took a slide down it last week!
This Week in the 53rd District
State Senator Tom Bennett – Working full-time to represent you
