Interstate 74, from U.S. 45 in Champaign to the Indiana State Line, has now been officially named as the Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway.
During Thursday (April 25th) morning’s dedication ceremony at Oakwood Village Hall, former GOP State Rep Mike Marron recalled how Senator Bennett, who passed away in December of 2022, cared about ALL of the 52nd State Senate District that he served.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: But almost every event that happened during my tenure, in Vermilion County, Scott Bennett was there. He was always there. He didn’t have to be there. And that’s not an easy drive, driving every day, especially when you’re in session in Springfield, driving from Champaign to Danville.
(1st Picture) Senator Scott Bennett and State Rep Mike Marron during one of many co-appearances on 1490WDAN’s Newsmakers program with Linda Bolton. (3rd Picture) Paul Faraci, current 52nd District State Senator, emceed Thursday’s program at Oakwood Village Hall.
Marron also recalled one of his many joint appearances with Bennett on 1490 WDAN’s Newsmakers program with Linda Bolton; and how Marron’s worries that he had hurt their “across the aisle friendship” were quickly put to rest; after there was disagreement expressed over Criminal Justice Reform.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: It was something that bothered me. But, you know, a day later, he called me about some other issue; and he was the same old Scott Bennett. He never let anything bother him.
Also in attendance was Danville High School Future Problem Solvers team captain Isaiah Easton, who recalled how Senator Bennett went out of his way to work with his student group.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: I was nervous the first time I was going to meet Senator Bennett; to discuss our Danville High Future Problem Solvers project, honoring Veterans isolated by the pandemic. But upon our first meeting with Senator Bennett, I quickly realized that he was one of the kindest, and most caring and most gentle individuals that I have ever met.
(1st Picture) Scott Bennett’s uncle, 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett, greets a visitor at Thursday morning’s ceremony. (2nd Picture) DHS Future Problem Solvers team captain Isaiha Easton, Faculty Advisor Lori Woods, and team member Cameron Feueborn pose with Bennett Memorial Highway sign. (3nd Picture) State Senator Paul Faraci participates in conversation following the ceremony.
Another one of the speakers was Scott Bennett’s brother Robert. And considering that he will now be driving on a highway named after his brother, Robert couldn’t help sharing their childhood fascination with the road, and with truck driving. Eventually, Scott Bennett obtained a CDL, and offered assistance during the harvest.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: The relevance of C.W. McCall’s song “Convoy.” Because that was one of Scott’s favorite songs in high school. And he would listen to it, with me sometimes, and we would fantasize about driving the open road. Even as a professor at one point; you know, I’m received e-mails at 4 o’clock in the morning from my students demanding answers for homework assignments that are due at 9. And I’m like, “you know, a truck driving gig sounds really good right now!”
The program was emceed by State Senator Paul Faraci, who now holds Bennett’s old 52nd District seat. It was Faraci who pushed for the I-74 dedication to happen, through the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 32.
THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM STATE SENATOR PAUL FARACI’S OFFICE
Faraci honors late Senator Scott Bennett
DANVILLE – To honor the life and legacy of the late Senator Scott Bennett, State Senator Paul Faraci joined elected officials, community members, as well as friends and family of Scott Bennett at a memorial to name portions of I-74 the “Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway.”
“Senator Bennett continues to be remembered as a leader in our communities who dedicated his life to serving the people of Illinois,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “He will forever be missed, but his legacy will never be forgotten. This is one way we can continue to honor him for decades to come.”
Last spring, Faraci passed Senate Joint Resolution 32 designating I-74 from U.S. Route 45 in Champaign to the Indiana state line as the “Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway.” Today, the Illinois Department of Transportation placed signs along the interstate in his honor.
Scott Bennett joined the Senate as the unanimous choice to fill the vacancy in the 52nd State Senate District in 2015. Since the beginning of his career, Senator Bennett dedicated his service to spurring economic development, supporting family farming, providing Illinois’ students with greater opportunities, and promoting bipartisanship across the state. As chair of the Senate’s Higher Education Committee, he was a champion for higher education facilities by advocating for funding and student rights.
Senator Bennett prioritized his service to the 52nd State Senate District above himself, but his greatest love was for his family, his wife of 20 years, and his children. Scott Bennett sadly passed away in December 2022.
“Scott loved his family and he loved helping people,” said Illinois State Treasure Michael Frerichs. Bennett was appointed to the Senate seat held by Frerichs after he was sworn-in as Illinois State Treasurer. “His spirit of cooperation, ability to find solutions, and disarming charm served East Central Illinois well. He is greatly missed.”
