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.

Danville Electrical Apprenticeship Opportunities

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.

Valentine’s Day Card Drive for veterans receives over 500 cards

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) released the following statement after his office’s Valentine’s Day Card drive received more than 500 cards for veterans from community members:

“We wanted to continue the practice of Valentine’s Day Card deliveries that Senator Scott Bennett started. In partnership with the Vermilion County War Museum, we were able to deliver over 500 cards to local veterans."

“I had one veteran come up to me after I gave him a Valentine’s Day card. He let me know that he doesn’t have any family and that the card meant the world to him. At that point, he and I were both holding back tears. That moment is exactly what we hoped to accomplish with the Drive.”