PLAINFIELD, IL — Harry Benton, a trustee on the Village of Plainfield Board since 2019, took office in to the Illinois House of Representatives Wednesday.

A Democrat, Benton will represent the 97th District, which covers Will and Kendall counties, in Springfield. During his two-year term in office, the newly elected state representative said he will focus on supporting workers’ rights, fighting for property tax relief and affordable healthcare.

“I’m a union ironworker and father, which isn’t what we’re used to in Springfield. But our community isn’t looking for business as usual,” Benton said in a statement. “I know the challenges families are facing right now because I live them myself. That’s why I’m going to fight for property tax relief, to rein in unaffordable healthcare and childcare costs for working families, and to always support people looking to build a middle-class life in our community.”

Other legislative priorities of Benton’s include expanding vocational and trade education and apprenticeship opportunities as well as helping families afford childcare — daycare for two children sometimes costs upwards of $35,000, according to statists cited in a news release from his office.

He said he will also support special education programs for children and teens with developmental disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders and learning differences.

“I believe in community and in character,” Benton said. “I believe in compassion. I believe that what we can achieve by working together and supporting each other surpasses what we can accomplish working only as individuals. But, at the same time, I believe that the rights of individuals are the bedrock upon which this country and our state are built.

As for Benton’s role in local government, his current term as trustee is set to expire in April. Benton did not submit a petition to run for another term in Plainfield, Patch reported.

Asked for comment, a House of Representatives spokesperson said he was not at the time of publication able to speak to Benton’s plans for office in Plainfield.

“I am excited to take on the crucial job of ensuring that each person’s voice is heard in the halls of power, and I look forward to working with, and for, all those I’ve sworn to represent to move our state forward,” he said.