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Faraci: children living with disabilities deserve better

CHAMPAIGN - State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced Senate Bill 1752, which aims to reduce the number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services database.

The PUNS list currently has 14,806 individuals who want or need Developmental Disability Waiver Services. As funding becomes available, individuals are selected from PUNS to apply for the waiver. However, the demand for these services far outweighs the available funding, leaving many individuals waiting for years to receive the assistance they need.

"The PUNS list has been a concern of mine for many years, and I am thrilled to introduce this bill that will help reduce the backlog of individuals waiting for developmental disability waiver services," said Faraci (D-Champaign). "Every person on the list is someone who needs help, and it's our duty to ensure that they receive the support they require to live a happy and fulfilling life."

Senate Bill 1752 requires the Department of Human Services to reduce the number of individuals on the PUNS database by at least 800 persons by June 30, 2024, no fewer than 1,000 persons between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, and no fewer than 1,200 persons beginning July 1, 2026 and every July 1 thereafter, until the list is exhausted.

The bill will provide relief to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have been waiting for services, and will ensure that funding is allocated more efficiently to those who are most in need.

"I urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this bill, which will make a significant difference in the lives of the people we serve,” said Faraci. “This is the right thing to do for children and families that deserve better.”

If passed, Senate Bill 1752 will provide a much-needed solution to the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It will help to reduce the wait time for critical services, improving the quality of life for those who require assistance.

Faraci declares February Career and Technical Education Month in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - The achievements and accomplishments of Career and Technical Education programs across the state will be recognized this February under a measure supported by State Senator Paul Faraci that passed the Senate Thursday.

“By passing this resolution, we hope to bring additional awareness to the benefits of CTE programs and the high-wage careers that trades offer,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Having a skilled workforce is one of the things companies look at when considering new development in an area.”

Senate Resolution 85 declares February as Career and Technical Education Month in Illinois. Under the resolution, high school educators and counselors will be encouraged to assist each student to determine an appropriate post-secondary plan based upon their skills, strengths and goals and help them implement the best practices that improve career readiness after high school so that they can find an appropriate pathway.

CTE offers education and advanced training to support high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupations, including careers in trades, health care, information technology, agriculture, finance and education. About 12 million high school and college students are enrolled in CTE across the nation. Advance CTE reports that the high school graduation rate for students who concentrate on CTE is about 90% – 15 percentage points higher than the national average.

“We need to give people opportunity to make a good living, and CTE programs provide bright futures with pathways to good-paying jobs in major industries,” said Faraci. 

Senate Resolution 85 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.

Senator Faraci advances first bill through committee

SPRINGFIELD - Senate Bill 1393 advanced through the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday. The bill proposes to lower the minimum population required for a county to create or maintain an office of county auditor from 75,000 inhabitants to 70,000 inhabitants.

"I am proud to support this bill, which will benefit the residents of Vermilion County by ensuring that their auditor can remain independent and elected," said Faraci (D-Champaign). "It is important to me that we support the voices of our constituents, and this bill is a prime example of that."

The proposed legislation will benefit Vermilion County, which has a population of 74,188 according to the 2020 Census. The county's population has decreased each year since, making it difficult to meet the current minimum population requirement of 75,000 for maintaining an office of county auditor. This has put the position of the Vermilion County Auditor at risk of being absorbed by the County Board.

"I urge my fellow legislators to support this bill and help us ensure that the Vermilion County Auditor can continue to serve constituents independently," said Faraci.

Senate Bill 1393 has received support from various organizations, including the Illinois Association of County Auditors.