IL SR1347

Congratulates Senator Tom Bennett on his retirement from the Illinois General Assembly after nearly a decade of service in the House (2015-2023) and Senate (2023-2025), representing the 53rd District including 13 counties.

Recognizes Bennett's educational background including a Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and MBA from Illinois State University, and Doctor of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Acknowledges Bennett's leadership on education issues, including co-chairing a task force on teacher performance assessment concerns, advocating for retired teachers to return to classrooms, and supporting FFA and 4-H excused absences.

Highlights Bennett's advocacy for agriculture through support for soil and water conservation funding, carbon capture research, estate tax relief for family farms, and on-farm composting permit exemptions.

Notes Bennett received multiple awards including the Illinois Farm Bureau's Friend of Agriculture Award (2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024), Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs' Legislator of the Year Award (2018), Illinois Chamber's Champion of Free Enterprise Award (2018, 2020, 2022, 2024), and the 2024 Illinois Firefighters Public Service Award.