By Patrick Baron

PONTIAC – State Representative Tom Bennett is pleased the state passed a balanced budget for the new fiscal year and looks forward to seeing the impacts it has across the 106th district.

Bennett represents all or parts of Ford, Iroquois, Vermillion, Livingston and Woodford counties. Speaking with WJEZ’s Todd Wineburner, Bennett said the state legislature had recently been examining a number of bills that aim to give teachers across the state a helping hand.

“The bills dealt with anything from helping relieve a little bit of the challenge ahead for finding teachers,” said Bennett. “We’re able to allow teachers from other states to come in now and also for substitute teachers.”

One bill increases the amount of days substitute teachers can work from 100 to 120. Bennett also said there is $2.5 billion in the budget to help the Illinois Department of Transportation maintain roads in the state. Bennett explained there are a number of roadway projects planned for the 106th district, which those funds will help pay for.

“The projects are scheduled to take place and will range from resurfacing some of our interstates, to repairing bridges, and better drains along the highway. That’s going to be in all five counties of our district as well,” Bennett said. “A number of good things did come from the budget and I’m really pleased to help it move forward.”

Bennett said the Department of Agriculture recently released $16 million in funding for soil and water conservation districts, county fairs, and the University of Illinois Extension.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].