Peoria Standard

Eureka Middle School students received a special visit from state Rep. Thomas Bennett (R-Gibson City), who taught a lesson about what the state government does, how laws are created and the importance of voting.

Bennett shared a picture from his talk at the school in a recent Facebook post. 

"Big thank you to Ms. Cheri Ogg for the opportunity to speak to about 120 students at the Eureka Middle School," he said in the post. "Focused on branches of state/federal government, role of an Illinois State Representative, developing bills into laws and the need for everyone to understand the issues before voting. Major election on November 8. Results will impact all of us. Please Vote!"

Bennett has been busy since the legislative session wrapped up. He enjoyed Milford's Oktoberfest event, praising the organizers.

"Hope you had the chance to play some bingo, talk with vendors and have some family fun," he said in an Oct. 5 Facebook post. "Live music. Great food! Face painting. Thank you to all the organizers."

Bennett also recently toured the Dresden Nuclear Power Plant, where he learned about the state's current and future energy needs plus the plant's focus on safety and training; the Kankakee Times said. He noted the importance of looking toward the future since the demand for energy will only grow.

In August, Bennett visited a farm near Dwight to view wetland construction aimed at improving water quality by removing contaminates such as nitrogen and phosphates, the Times said. Bennett opposed a bill that required future construction to be "electric car-friendly" and have parking lots turned into charging stations.