Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected State Legislators
Recent News About Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett
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Senator Tom Bennett reflects on decade-long service in farewell speech
Senator Tom Bennett delivered a farewell speech reflecting on his decade-long service in the General Assembly.
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Senator Bennett announces retirement; introduces successor Chris Balkema
For the past decade, Thomas Bennett has served as the senator for the 53rd District in the Illinois General Assembly.
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General Assembly passes key legislation addressing education, healthcare, and infrastructure
The General Assembly has passed a series of legislative measures in 2024.
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Madigan trial progresses; Illinois faces financial challenges amid legislative changes
The trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has entered its third month at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago.
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Illinois Senate Republicans urge action on prison drug crisis
Illinois Senate Republicans are urging Governor JB Pritzker to take immediate action to address the drug crisis in state prisons.
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Senator Tom Bennett hosts final coffee chat before retirement
State Senator Tom Bennett is set to host his final "Coffee and Conversation" event as he prepares for retirement.
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Illinois faces budget deficit; Senator urges no new tax hikes
The General Assembly's Veto Session concluded with minimal legislative progress.
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Illinois Senate Republicans urge budget balance without new taxes amid projected deficit
Senate Republicans in Illinois are urging Governor J.B. Pritzker to address the state's budget deficit without imposing additional taxes on residents and businesses.
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Illinois projects budget deficit; Senator Bennett calls for economic reforms
The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) has released its annual report, projecting a $3.16 billion budget deficit for Illinois in the upcoming fiscal year.
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Senator Bennett urges reform after suspect's release in fentanyl case
In Grundy County, the release of a suspect in a fentanyl case has sparked calls for changes to the SAFE-T Act.
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Madigan corruption trial advances amid allegations; Illinois drivers warned about deer
The trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is progressing as federal prosecutors present their case, alleging that Madigan was involved in a racketeering and bribery conspiracy.
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Lawmakers call for action on prison drug exposure risks
Recent concerns have emerged about exposure to hazardous substances in Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facilities. This has prompted State Senator Tom Bennett, State Senator Terri Bryant, and State Representative Dennis Tipsword to meet with staff at Pontiac Correctional Center. They discussed ongoing drug exposure incidents and possible solutions.
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Federal government challenges Illinois fee ban law
The federal government has intervened in a legal dispute concerning a new Illinois law that could affect how banks and credit unions manage transaction fees. The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit to block the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act.
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Michael Madigan's trial begins amid calls for ethics reform
Jury selection has commenced in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who faces 23 charges including racketeering, bribery, and official misconduct. Madigan was indicted in March 2022 for his alleged involvement in a bribery scheme with Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Illinois' largest utility. He served in the Illinois House from 1971 until his resignation in 2021 and held the speakership for much of that time.
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Legislators visit Pontiac Correctional Center over drug exposure concerns
State Senator Tom Bennett, State Senator Terri Bryant, and State Representative Dennis Tipsword recently visited the Pontiac Correctional Center. The purpose of their visit was to engage with the staff regarding the ongoing drug exposure incidents at the facility. They aimed to discuss concerns and explore potential solutions to address these issues.
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Concerns rise over substance exposure incidents in Illinois prisons
Concerns are mounting over potential exposure to dangerous substances in Illinois prisons. Recent reports have highlighted incidents where prison staff and inmates fell ill, requiring medical treatment. These cases are linked to mail sent to inmates that may contain drug-soaked papers. At the Menard Correctional Center, preliminary tests confirmed the presence of fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids on paper samples.
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Illinois lawmakers call for independent audit on children's facility abuse allegations
Senate Republican Leader John Curran and Senate Republican Caucus Whip Jil Tracy have filed a resolution seeking an independent audit by the Illinois Auditor General. The resolution addresses allegations of violence against children at Aunt Martha’s Integrated Care Center in Chicago, as well as purported attempts by the Pritzker Administration to falsify investigation documents.
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Senator Bennett discusses carbon sequestration and rising cyberattacks
Senator Bennett has announced several updates and upcoming events, including a session titled "Coffee and Conversation with Senator Bennett" scheduled for September 25 at the Coffee Steamer in Forest, Illinois.
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Illinois sees exodus of young professionals due to high taxes
A new study by SmartAsset indicates that Illinois is experiencing a significant outflow of young, high-earning professionals. The data reveals that Illinois ranks among the top states losing millennials to more tax-friendly regions. Specifically, in 2022, 1,323 households with individuals aged between 26 and 35 earning $200,000 or more left Illinois.
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Illinois Manufacturers' Association names top lawmakers supporting industry
State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) has been recognized as a top "Champion of Manufacturing" in the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s (IMA) 2024 Legislative Report Card.