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.

Senator Faraci introduces new bill to help college educators

CHAMPAIGN - State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced Senate Bill 1439, which would expand the Illinois income tax credit for classroom materials to include educators at public universities, colleges and community colleges.

"Teachers and educators at all levels play a vital role in shaping our future generations, and it is important that we support their efforts in every way we can," said Faraci (D-Champaign). "Expanding the income tax credit for classroom materials to include college educators is a common-sense step towards providing them with the resources they need to enhance the learning experience for their students."

 Under current law, Illinois provides an income tax credit for classroom materials purchased by teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides working in a qualified school, which is defined as a public or nonpublic K-12 school. The credit is limited to $500 per taxpayer per taxable year.

Senate Bill 1439 would broaden the definition of “qualified school” to include public institutions of higher learning, effectively allowing college educators to claim the credit starting in taxable year 2024.

The Illinois income tax credit for classroom materials is a valuable resource for educators, allowing them to offset the cost of materials such as books, supplies and technology. By expanding the credit to college educators, Senate Bill 1439 will help to ensure that all teachers, instructors, counselors, principals or aides who work in a qualified school are eligible for this valuable benefit.

Senator Faraci encourages his fellow lawmakers to support Senate Bill 1439, which will help to support our educators and promote a strong and vibrant learning environment in Illinois.

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Senator Faraci attends entrepreneurship advising hours

I stopped by the Illinois Technology Entrepreneur Center to attend entrepreneurship advising hours and helped coach a few teams with their startup ideas. Young entrepreneurs are the future architects of our world, driven by passion, creativity and innovation to build businesses that solve some of society's most pressing challenges. Their entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering determination inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.