Kankakee Times

Sen. Thomas M. Bennett expressed his appreciation for the valuable contributions made by the community college system in a Facebook post on June 4.

The Illinois Community College Trustees Association is a group that provides assistance to public community college trustees in achieving effective leadership at both local and statewide levels, through activities such as information sharing, training, and advocacy.

"Community colleges provide 4000 degrees and certificates to over 600,000 students," Bennett wrote. "They provide a unique education mission to our communities and our state."

"The Illinois Community College Trustee Association held their reception recently in Springfield and will be talking with legislators Wednesday," Bennett wrote. "Glad to have Governor Pritzker in attendance. We created a Community College Caucus in the House and Senate Chambers to help provide information about community college legislation. Great turnout of support!"

Among the attendees at the reception held on May 2 in Springfield, Illinois, was Governor J.B. Pritzker. The event took place at the Illinois State Museum according to ICCTA.

According to the Illinois Community College Board, the state community college system comprises a total of 40 community colleges.

As reported by ILGA, on May 11, a bill aimed at facilitating credit retention for community college students transferring to four-year institutions successfully passed both the House and Senate. The bill mandates that "all public institutions must provide and maintain up to four core courses in each of the Illinois Articulation Initiative majors."

Additionally, it stipulates that "all major courses in the Illinois Articulation Initiative offered by public institutions must be directly transferable as course equivalents for major requirements." Senator Cristina Castro introduced the bill on February 10, 2023, and it reached the House of Representatives on March 30, 2023.

In other developments, Bennett has remained engaged in various activities following the approval of the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget and the conclusion of the legislative session. 

"I was glad to visit the Historic 1932 Standard Oil Gas Station at O’Dell on Rt 66. Another fun stop on the Red Carpet Corridor Tour!” Bennett wrote.

Through multiple Facebook posts on June 5, he shared notable highlights from the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Tour that he embarked upon.

"Pontiac was an essential stop on the Red Carpet Corridor Tour of Route 66," Bennett wrote. "There was a great Swinging Bridges Arts Festival. It was good to visit the Pontiac Oakland Museum and Director Tim and wife, Penny Dye. They have an incredible library on Pontiacs!”