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Friday, July 11, 2025

State Sen. Tom Bennett (R-Ill.)

Recent News About State Sen. Tom Bennett (R-Ill.)

  • Illinois Teachers Union Demands Additional Funding Amidst Fiscal Challenges

    On May 15, hundreds of members from the Chicago Teacher’s Union (CTU) gathered at the Capitol to demand an additional $1 billion in state funding for Chicago Public Schools (CPS). This move was met with criticism as it required the district to hire substitute teachers, thus utilizing significant taxpayer dollars. The salaries of CTU members who attended the gathering in Springfield were also covered by taxpayer funds.

  • Construction on Interstate 57 in Iroquois County set to begin May 20

    The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that, weather permitting, construction on Interstate 57 in Iroquois County will commence on Monday, May 20. The designated work zone extends from mile marker 279 near Onarga to mile marker 286 north of Gilman.

  • Illinois Senate advances bill recognizing Space Force as official military branch

    The Illinois Senate has advanced legislation to formally recognize the United States Space Force as an official branch of the United States Armed Forces. House Bill 5640, sponsored by Senator Tom Bennett, amends state law to include the Space Force wherever the Armed Forces are mentioned.

  • Sen. Tom Bennett hosts Youth Advisory Council in Springfield

    State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) recently hosted high school students from the 53rd Senate District in Springfield as part of his Youth Advisory Council (YAC) program. The initiative aims to educate students about the state's legislative process and inspire the next generation.

  • Senate Republicans Raise Concerns Over Likely-Unconstitutional University Funding Plan

    Senator Bennett, along with other Illinois Senate Republicans, recently raised concerns about a proposed funding formula for the state’s higher education system. During a press conference, they highlighted elements of the formula that base funding on a student’s race, which they believe could be unconstitutional. The Senators emphasized that such a plan could violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and jeopardize federal funding for schools. They pointed to the University of Illinois as an example of the potential consequences, with over $750 million in funding at stake....

  • Senator Bennett Updates: Opposition to Wetland Overregulation, Legislation for Sons of the American Legion, and Youth Advisory Council

    Senator Bennett strongly opposes Senate Bill 771, a piece of legislation that would grant the state sweeping authority over private land in Illinois. The bill has faced opposition from various groups, including farmers, business organizations, home builders, and energy producers. Senator Bennett believes that the proposed legislation infringes on property rights and would impose burdensome regulatory processes on citizens, potentially harming Illinois’ agriculture, construction, and energy sectors in the long term.In contrast, Senator Bennett recently passed Senate Bill...

  • Senate Republicans Propose Legislation to Reform Prisoner Review Board and Address Teacher Shortage

    Senate Republicans have introduced legislation aimed at reforming the Prisoner Review Board in response to a controversial decision that led to a tragic incident. The legislation includes provisions to prioritize victims, depoliticize the appointment process, and ensure accountability for decisions made by the board.During a news conference, Senate Republicans unveiled the proposed reforms, with Senator Bennett stating, "Putting Victims First – Requires the Prisoner Review Board to immediately inform a victim of the early release of a prisoner... Mandates yearly training...

  • Senator Bennett Provides Update: Tragedy Strikes After Prisoner Review Board Decision

    In a recent turn of events, tragedy struck when a man released by Governor JB Pritzker’s Prisoner Review Board (PRB) went on to kill an 11-year-old boy and critically wound the boy’s pregnant mother. The incident led to the resignation of two members of the PRB. Senator Bennett highlighted this case as just one in a series of controversial decisions made by the board, which has seen the release of numerous convicted murderers and violent offenders during the Governor’s tenure. Senator Bennett stated, "This case is just the latest in a string of controversial decisions made...

  • Week in Review: March 25

    Senator Bennett is co-sponsoring legislation aimed at providing financial relief to families with children enrolled in daycare and pre-K programs in Illinois. The proposed bills, Senate Bill 2717 and Senate Bill 3104, seek to offer tax credits to parents to help cover childcare expenses.Regarding the closure of correctional facilities, Senator Bennett has expressed concerns about the impact on jobs and local communities. He is working on a resolution for the Pontiac Correctional Facility to prevent a shutdown there, amidst uncertainties surrounding the closure of...

  • Senator Bennett Seeks Constituent Input on Pending Legislation

    Senator Bennett of Capitol recently called upon constituents to share their thoughts on pending legislation. Last week, as bills were required to clear a substantive committee by March 15, there were still 692 bills awaiting hearings before Senate Committees. Legislators worked diligently to garner support for their initiatives, knowing that a majority vote in a committee is crucial for a measure to progress to the Senate floor for consideration and a vote.In light of this, Senator Bennett saw an opportune moment to seek input from the people he represents. He initiated a...

  • Senator Bennett Highlights Push for Transparency on Noncitizen Spending and Opposition to Gerrymandered Map

    Senator Bennett highlighted the need for transparency on noncitizen spending in Illinois, criticizing Governor JB Pritzker's policies for their lack of clarity. Bennett, in response to the situation, co-sponsored legislation aimed at shedding light on the state's spending on migrant services. The proposed Senate Bill 3170 would require detailed reporting on expenditures related to noncitizen and asylum-seeking populations, ensuring accountability for taxpayer dollars.Bennett emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, "The people of Illinois deserve to know how...

  • Senator Bennett's Update on Illinois: Migration, Tax Scams, Unemployment, and State Debt

    Illinois has become a top destination for migrants entering the United States, with a significant increase in the number of migrants listing an Illinois address for immigration court cases. Governor JB Pritzker has prioritized providing services for migrants, aiming to make Illinois the "Most Welcoming State in the Nation" for non-citizens.Senator Bennett raised concerns about the Governor's focus on migrant services, pointing out the correlation between the Governor's proposed tax hikes and the substantial increase in spending on migrant programs. Bennett emphasized the...

  • Update From Senator Bennett: Feb. 23

    Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently proposed a billion dollars in tax increases to cover the expenses related to the migrant crisis in the state. State Senator Bennett criticized the move, stating that it reflects the Governor's misplaced priorities. Senator Bennett emphasized his commitment to fighting the proposed tax hikes and providing real relief to the citizens of Illinois.Senator Bennett's opposition to the tax increases was clear as he called on the public to join him in rejecting the Governor's proposal. In response to the Governor's budget plans, Senator...

  • Senate Republicans Criticize Pritzker Administration's Free Healthcare Program for Undocumented Immigrants

    Three Senate Republicans on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) questioned officials from Governor JB Pritzker's Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) regarding their program to provide free healthcare to undocumented immigrants. The Senators expressed concern over the program's misplaced priorities and the burden it places on Illinois taxpayers.During the hearing, the Senators learned that the co-pays for migrants in the program will be limited and less expensive than traditional healthcare plans. Managed care providers also have the option to...

  • Senator Bennett Receives 2024 IL Firefighters Public Service Award

    Senator Tom Bennett (D-Gibson City) was honored with the 2024 IL Firefighters Public Service Award by the IL Firefighters Association (IFA) for his leadership in passing the new Volunteer Emergency Worker Tax Credit Law. The award was presented on February 3rd at the Gibson City Fire Department, where local and state fire officials gathered to recognize Senator Bennett's contribution.The legislation, which had been a goal of the volunteer fire service for nearly a decade, was made possible thanks to Senator Bennett's unwavering support. Margaret Vaughn, the Government...

  • New Bill Sponsored by Bennett Aims to Help Ensure the Preservation of Small Family Farms

    Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett is co-sponsoring a bipartisan proposal aimed at easing the estate tax burden for family farms in the state. The proposal, known as Senate Bill 2921, seeks to raise the exemption from $4 million to $6 million and expand the definition of "qualified heir" to include a wider range of family members.Senator Bennett stressed the importance of supporting small to mid-size family farms, which are the backbone of the state's economy. He stated, "This proposal is necessary to help provide stability and protect the future of small to mid-size...

  • Governor Finally Allows Co-Pays for Undocumented Healthcare

    Governor JB Pritzker has finally decided to implement mandatory co-pays for undocumented immigrants receiving free healthcare in Illinois. The original plan, proposed in the summer of 2023, was put on hold by the Pritzker Administration. However, there is a major catch to the new plan - the co-pays are not actually required and healthcare providers can choose not to implement them.The co-pays were initially proposed to control the rising costs of the taxpayer-funded program, which were estimated to exceed a billion dollars per year. State Senator Bennett expressed his...

  • Update from Senator Bennett: Jan. 26

    Senator Tom Bennett is calling on the community to help make Valentine's Day special for seniors. In an update, he urges residents to write heartfelt Valentine's Day cards for seniors to ensure they "don't feel forgotten." The cards can be dropped off or mailed to specific locations, with a deadline of February 5th.In other news, Senate Republicans have successfully convinced the Illinois Department of Human Services to pause proposed budget cuts for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) community. The cuts would have resulted in reduced services for...

  • Update from Senator Bennett: Jan. 19

    The Illinois General Assembly has begun its regular session for 2024, with lawmakers engaging in meetings and drafting legislation. Among the key issues to be addressed during this session is the ongoing immigration crisis and its associated costs. Governor JB Pritzker has been utilizing executive action and allocating taxpayer dollars to address the crisis, bypassing the legislature. Senator Bennett has emphasized the need for transparency regarding the actual expenditure on immigration services and the impact on programs designed to assist Illinois citizens.In addition...

  • Illinois to Launch New Intake Center, Shelter Site for Migrants Arriving in Chicago

    Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced plans to address the ongoing migrant crisis in the state by launching a new intake center and shelter site in Chicago. The move comes as Chicago has received nearly 30,000 individuals and families seeking asylum since August 2022. The funds allocated by the governor's office will support supplies, hotel rooms, and eventually a shelter at a former CVS in Little Village.However, Senator Bennett has criticized the governor's actions, stating that Pritzker is trying to avoid responsibility for the problem he created. Bennett...