State Sen. Tom Bennett (R-Ill.)
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected State Legislators
Recent News About State Sen. Tom Bennett (R-Ill.)
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Cost-of-living rises sharply for illinois residents amid soaring insurance rates
Illinois residents continue to face significant increases in their cost of living. The latest report from Insurify reveals that Illinois’ car insurance rates have surged by 46% since 2023. Illinois now ranks among the top five states for year-over-year car insurance increases, adding financial strain on families already dealing with rising expenses and increased tax burdens.
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Illinois faces economic challenges amid revised unemployment figures
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Illinois Supreme Court blocks law limiting candidate slating
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Republicans criticize Democratic policies ahead of convention
Republicans spotlight Illinois’ struggles as Democrats convene in Chicago
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Illinois passes new laws impacting criminal justice terminology
Legislation changing “offender” to “justice-impacted individual” in some state statutes and providing free state IDs to individuals being released from Illinois jails became law during the week, highlighting the misplaced priorities of Illinois Democrats when it comes to combatting crime.
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Illinois to formally recognize U.S. Space Force as military branch
Starting January 1, 2025, Illinois will formally recognize the United States Space Force as an official branch of the United States Armed Forces. This development follows legislation sponsored by State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) aimed at honoring the dedication and innovation of those serving in the Space Force.
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Senator Tom Bennett offers free museum passes for 53rd District residents
State Senator Tom Bennett is offering a "Constituent Education Resource Card" for residents traveling to the Chicagoland area. This card, also known as a free museum pass, allows constituents from the 53rd District to visit several prominent Illinois museums at no charge.
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Supreme Court declines immediate review of Illinois' assault weapon ban
In an order released on July 2, the United States Supreme Court declined to take up a legal challenge to Illinois' "assault weapon" ban but left open the possibility of hearing the case in the future.
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Security measures emphasized ahead of Democratic National Convention following recent tragedy
In the wake of the tragic shooting at a recent political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, law enforcement officials are reaffirming confidence in security protocols for the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.
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Senator Bennett files bill to restore funding for conservation districts
In response to a significant reduction in funding for soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget, State Sen. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) filed a bill aimed at restoring the $4 million cut in funding through the Partners for Conservation Fund. This initiative aims to ensure that these vital districts receive the necessary support to continue their work in protecting and conserving natural resources.
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New IRS data reveals significant exodus from Illinois amid high taxes
New data from the Internal Revenue Service shows that in 2022 alone, more than 87,000 Illinoisans, faced with some of the highest taxes in the nation, relocated to other states. This exodus saw nearly $10 billion in income leaving Illinois, significantly impacting the state’s economic landscape. Meanwhile, the City of Chicago has earned the distinction of having the third-highest rate of domestic population loss in the country, underscoring a broader pattern of outmigration.
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Illinois Board of Higher Education to release annual job demand report
As of July 1, the Illinois Board of Higher Education will annually release a comprehensive list of the most in-demand jobs in the state. This initiative is a result of legislation sponsored by State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) aimed at bridging the gap between education and the evolving workforce in Illinois.
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Illinois issues data breach notice; IDOT announces school safety grants
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has issued a notice regarding a data breach that may have exposed the personal information of residents. Approximately 50,000 individuals received letters about a “data security incident” from early April, in which an unidentified person accessed the Lake County government’s computer system and sent phishing emails to employees of the Illinois Secretary of State.
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Governor signs record-breaking budget amid controversy
Governor Signs Record Spending Budget with Billion-Dollar Tax Hike
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Senator Bennett criticizes governor's proposed $53 billion budget for fiscal year 2025
SPRINGFIELD—Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) issued a statement after voting against Governor Pritzker’s budget, which proposes to spend over $53 billion in Fiscal Year 2025.
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Illinois General Assembly passes record budget amidst tax hikes
Last week, the Illinois General Assembly passed Governor JB Pritzker’s budget, which includes nearly a billion dollars in new taxes to address the migrant crisis. The budget sets a new record for government spending at just over $53 billion, marking an increase of nearly $13 billion since Pritzker took office.
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Bennett Public Library launches summer reading challenge for children and teens
The Bennett Public Library is encouraging children and teens to participate in its annual Summer Reading Challenge, which begins on June 1 and runs through August 31. The program aims to foster a love of reading among young people during the summer months.
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Senator Bennett sponsors bill recognizing US Space Force as official military branch
State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) is sponsoring legislation to formally recognize the United States Space Force as an official branch of the United States Armed Forces.
