The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Sen. Bennett likes parts of the new state budget but says it wasn’t transparent

Owen Henderson
 
State Sen. Tom Bennett, a Republican, represents much of northeastern McLean County, portions of Peoria, Woodford and Tazewell counties and much of east central Illinois.

State Sen. Tom Bennett, a Republican, represents much of northeastern McLean County, portions of Peoria, Woodford and Tazewell counties and much of east central Illinois. Eric Stock/WGLT

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June 6, 2023

Today's headlines:

  • Champaign County saw a nearly 57%  increase in homelessness this January, according to the most recent Point-in-Time count.

  • A US House subcommittee holds a hearing today on whether automakers should be required to keep AM radio in their vehicles.

  • Illinois is using the remainder of its Volkswagen settlement money to help install more electric vehicle charging stations across the state.

  • Research finds that neighborhood quality can make a big difference in the mental health of Black Americans – even more than a healthy relationship.

In today's deep dive, we hear a conversation about the recently approved state budget with a central Illinois lawmaker.

Reporting contributed by Mae Antar, Jim Meadows, Alex Degman, Emily Hays and Eric Stock.