Peoria Standard

Sen. Thomas Bennett celebrated Community College Month in a Facebook post on April 14.

"Happy Community College Month!" Bennett wrote. "Let's appreciate the valuable role community colleges have in Illinois."

Senator Bennett represents the 53rd District of Illinois, comprising Bureau, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, Will and Woodford Counties. Before his current position, he was the State Representative for the 106th District from 2015 to early 2023. 

The Association of Community College Trustees shared a Tweet on April 13 highlighting the importance of education.

"No matter what twists and turns in your life ahead, no one can take your education away from you," the Association of Community College Trustees tweeted.

Bennett values education, having been on both sides as a student and an educator.

Before becoming a senator, Bennett was a science teacher and an IT professional at State Farm Insurance. Balancing family life and various responsibilities, Bennett also served as a K-12 school board member and as the chairman for two years. 

Furthermore, he was a member of the Parkland College Board of Trustees, including three years in which he served as the chairman. Bennett's contributions as a legislator include participating in task forces and commissions related to early childhood education, teacher assessments, and environmental and energy issues.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker also recently showed support for community colleges by declaring April "Community College Month" in Illinois. This declaration aims to raise awareness of community colleges and how they can help students financially and academically.

"Huge thanks to former First Lady @MichelleObama for joining the #CCMonth campaign!" the Association of Community College Trustees tweeted. "Please keep spreading the word about the value & importance of community colleges!" The tweet included a video message from the former first lady.

You can view the tweet and access the video here.