Chambana Sun

State Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Watseka) has been using his time off from the General Assembly to make stops across his legislative district and visit his constituents who live and work in the 106th district. 

Bennet wrote about his travels in a release on his website. 

"With the legislative session wrapped up for the year I have had the opportunity to travel around the district visiting with our small business owners, first responders and community leaders to find out how they have been doing as we approach the end of the year," Bennett said in the release. "It is always good to hear their thoughts and concerns."

During his tour, Bennett spoke with Carl and Marlene Shipman of Hoopeston who recently sold their business Pizza King after running it for more than four decades. Bennett also met with Watseka Fire Chief Kenneth Bair and firefighter Tom Sandeno to talk about the things that are having an impact on the fire service and other emergency responders. 

"I appreciated their time and all that they and all of our firefighters do for our communities," Bennett said in the release. 

Bennett also recently took part in a lunch meeting hosted by the Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce. 

"This has been a challenging year in Gibson City as the recovery from the summer flood continues," Bennett wrote in the release. "We are lucky to have such dedicated and energetic local leaders."

Bennett also wrote about the new "Common App" which made it easier for prospective college students looking to attend one of the 12 state universities to apply.

Earlier this year, Bennett asked Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) help small businesses across the state recover from the devastation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bennett also honored civic leader Marvin Perzee back in May by having the Illinois House of Representatives designate May 20 as Marvin Perzee County Fair Day.