Rantoul Yard Giveaway at the Rantoul Community Service Center

Brightpoint is sponsoring a free yard giveaway, including household items, decor, clothes, shoes, kids clothes, baby items and toys. The event will take place on Sept. 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rantoul Community Service Center located at 502 E. Wabash Ave in Rantoul.

Faraci urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“No family should be left wondering how they are going to keep their home warm during the winter months,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I encourage all qualifying residents to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for assistance while resources are available.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

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Faraci fondly remembers former State Representative Bill Black

CHAMPAIGN—State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) released the following statement following the passing of former State Representative Bill Black:

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Bill Black. Bill dedicated his life to public service, and we will never forget his contributions to our community and our state. As we remember Bill, let us also remember the legacy that he has left behind. He was an individual who proved that one person can change the lives of many.

“I had the privilege of working with Bill in the early 2000’s, and I have held a great amount of respect for him ever since. Bill was an honest man who cared deeply for the people of Vermilion County. Our community is a better place because of his dedication, and he will be missed dearly.

“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Over $3.3 million coming to Champaign County schools

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that eight Champaign County school districts will receive over $3.3 million in additional funding to help students. 

“It is important that we fully fund our local schools in order to give students the best possible learning outcomes,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Everyone has the right to a high-quality education, and funding from the evidence-based model helps us reach that goal.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

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