CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci secured $250,000 in grant funding to boost tourism in East Central Illinois.
“Investments in tourism are especially vital for our area, bolstering our local economies with job growth and increased business opportunities,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “East Central Illinois has so many unique businesses and attractions to offer, and I’m proud to help secure funding to encourage both national and international visitors to not just our communities, but our state as a whole.”
Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, a total of $6.3 million was awarded to 36 grantees through the Route 66 Grant Program, Tourism Attractions Grant Program and Tourism Private Sector Grant Program.
CHAMPAIGN – Thanks to efforts from State Senator Paul Faraci, over $4.9 million in state funding is heading to Champaign, Savoy and Rantoul to build safer sidewalks, bike lanes and shared-use paths as part of Illinois’ ongoing push to modernize transportation and improve local infrastructure.
“This is about building smarter, safer communities where people can move freely and feel good doing it,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “From students walking to school to families out for a bike ride, these projects are investments in the way residents live day-to-day.”
Faraci announced three projects in Champaign County are among 66 statewide improvements receiving support totaling $139.2 million through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program – a flagship initiative of the state’s Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan aimed at modernizing local transportation systems and making communities more accessible and connected.
SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to modernize state government and direct resources where they are needed most, State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure aimed at eliminating outdated government mandates and expanding access to programs supporting digital connectivity and energy assistance for low-income families.
“People expect government to evolve and meet the moment, and this bill does that,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We’re cutting what no longer works so we can reinvest in what communities truly need: broadband access, energy support and local power.”
House Bill 3187 aims to cut outdated responsibilities and redirect resources to programs that serve everyday Illinoisans. Under the measure, obsolete duties – like requiring the state to manage freight rate data – would be eliminated from government handling, and respective industry experts would take the lead.
SPRINGFIELD – To ensure families of students with disabilities have access to life-changing financial tools, State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure that would require schools to proactively share information about Illinois’ ABLE savings program with parents of students who have 504 plans.
“Families navigating disabilities shouldn’t be left to stumble upon resources by chance,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This bill makes certain these families get the information they need early and directly, with no searching required.”
Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest their money for expenses related to living with a disability, offering greater financial independence while preserving vital public health benefits – like SSI or Medicaid. The Illinois ABLE program promotes independence, reduces reliance on public assistance and encourages greater economic participation by individuals with disabilities.
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