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Latest News

April 18, 2024

Benton Passes Bill Raising Awareness of PTSD

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is helping to recognize individuals dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by moving legislation through the Illinois House of Representatives to have Illinois recognize June 27 as National PTSD Awareness Day.

Image by Benjamin Faust

March 21, 2024

Benton to Join Newly Formed Teacher Vacancies Working Group

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is increasing his efforts to solve the Illinois teacher shortage by joining the newly formed Teacher Shortage Working Group. This group, chaired by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, will work to find practical solutions to the ongoing issue.

Teacher Writing a Formula on a Blackboard

March 18, 2024

Benton Advances Bill Making Turkey Hunting More Accessible

Young hunters and older sportspeople would have more options for turkey hunting under a new bill advanced through a House committee by state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, allowing smaller ammunition options that some find easier to use.

Wild Turkey

January 24, 2024

Benton Unveils 2024 Agenda Focused on Working Families

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, introduced an agenda prioritizing tax relief, workers’ rights, affordable childcare, and other needs of middle-class families and seniors for the 2024 legislative session.

Fireworks Shows

December 6, 2023

Benton Urges Signing of Bill to Create Jobs, Expand Cutting Edge Energy Production

Following the passage of a bipartisan bill to create jobs and expand Illinois’ clean energy production by paving the way for small, modern nuclear projects, state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is advocating for the bill to become law.

Climbing on Power Pole

November 3, 2023

Benton Introduces Bill to Help More Seniors with Their Property Taxes

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is working to help ease property taxes for older adults by introducing a bill to ensure they remain eligible for a key tax exemption amidst continued inflation.

Suburb Houses

October 23, 2023

Benton Bill Would Restore Tax Break for Workers’ Union Dues

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is supporting union workers by introducing a bill to restore a tax benefit which was recently taken away by Washington politicians.

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September 29, 2023

Benton: Plainfield Community
Condemns Act of Hate

“I join my Plainfield community in mourning the loss of a 6-year-old child, Wadea Al-Fayoume and praying for the recovery of his mother, Hanaan Shahin. This brutal violence is tragic and unacceptable under any circumstances."

Wadea Al-Fayoume

September 29, 2023

Benton Law Eases Access to Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Licenses

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is helping make hunting and fishing more accessible with a new law extending game licenses, as well as creating an automatic license renewal option. 

Fishing Boat

September 18, 2023

Benton Law Expands Housing Options for Veterans

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is working to end veteran homelessness with a new law expanding access to affordable housing for returning service members.

Image by Breno Assis

August 25, 2023

Benton Invites Community Members to Senior Fair

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is inviting residents to a Senior Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA, 15120 Wallin Dr. in Plainfield.

Smiling Seniors

August 17, 2023

Benton Presses DCFS to Lessen Burdens on Childcare Providers Through Improved Flexibility

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is questioning recent decisions by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in response to concerns voiced by childcare providers across the state following DCFS’ decision to issue new rules ending the so-called “three hour rule,” which had been put in place to address childcare staffing concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kids Blowing Bubbles

August 15, 2023

Benton “Pets for Vets” Bill Becomes Law

Military veterans in Illinois will soon be able to take in adoptable pets free of charge under a bill passed by state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, that recently became law.

Dog Owner

August 4, 2023

Benton Bill Aimed at Aiding Military Families Moving to Illinois Becomes Law

Military members and their spouses who require professional certifications will have an easier time when moving to Illinois under a new law introduced by State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, that became law on Monday.

Laptop and Paperwork

July 6, 2023

Benton Passes Law to Provide for Children with Disabilities During School Emergencies

Students with disabilities can expect better planning for their safety in the event of an emergency at school after a new law passed by state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield became effective last week.

School corridor

June 5, 2023

Benton Spotlights Budget Focused on Communities, Working Families

Communities and working families will be the main beneficiaries of the recently passed state budget, says state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, following a robust and comprehensive process aimed at promoting growth and fiscal responsibility.

Rep. Harry Benton in a suit speaking on the House floor

May 15, 2023

Spring 2023 Newsletter

Rep. Benton has been busy this past Spring. From district events to passing legislation in Springfield, learn more in our quarterly newsletter below.

Rep. Harry Benton in the foreground wearing a suit, holding a piece of paper, in front of a microphone. Two other men are in the background out of focus.

May 11, 2023

Benton Voices Support for Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is joining legislative colleagues in
voicing support for a recent push to include tax credits for volunteer firefighters in the FY2024
Illinois Budget.

Firefighters fighting a fire in a mock house.

April 20, 2023

Apprenticeship tax credit possible in Illinois

Freshman Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) filed this proposal to help more people get into the trades. 

Rep. Harry Benton in protective gear for ironworking.

March 31, 2023

Benton Works to Waive Exam, License Fees for Military Members, Spouses

“Military members and their families consistently represent the best that Illinois, and the United States, have to offer,” Benton said.

Ceiling of the Illinois Capitol Building

Feb 16, 2023

Benton Reacts to State of the State Address, Calls for Focus

on Middle Class Families

“I came to Springfield to speak up for middle class families and to represent something different from the typical norm..."

Gov. Pritzker making a speech

Feb 7, 2023

THE ILLINOIZE: Our campaign finance and ethics laws are broken...Bears to Arlington bill emerges...The House is back full strength...Meet Rep. Harry Benton

“Good government should be like a good marriage,” he said. “If you aren’t willing to compromise, it’s never going to work.” -Rep. Benton

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Jan 12, 2023

Benton Takes Office, Focused on Affordable Child Care, Support for Middle-Class Families

Rep. Harry J. Benton III is inaugurated.

Rep. Harry Benton smiling on House floor
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