- Published: Friday, December 09, 2022 04:54 PM
After the sudden passing of State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), Senator Pacione-Zayas released the following statement:
"I am heartbroken at the news of Senator Bennett’s passing. As vice chair for the Higher education committee, we worked closely together to increase access and equity to institutions of higher education. His commitment to deep understanding of the issues and solving for problems that limit participation of all communities was something we both shared and lifted up in our committee work. His sense of humor was unmatched, and his love and commitment to his family was even greater. We swapped stories about our kids and how best to support their development, and I’m grateful for his suggestion to take the kids to the amazing indoor ferris wheel at Scheels during one of the times I had them with with me in Springfield. I will always cherish these memories of Scott, and am thankful for how much joy and humor he brought into my life and the lives of so many. We will miss him dearly in the Senate, and we are all sending our deepest condolences to his family."