CHAMPAIGN – In an effort to address the ongoing teacher shortage, State Senator Paul Faraci joined the Illinois State Board of Education in announcing $7.4 million in funding for grants to help prepare high school students for careers in education.

“Funding like this helps equip our youth with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in our workforce,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “An investment in the futures of our students is an investment in our community and economy.”

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Education Career Pathway Grants aim to address the teacher shortage by preparing high school students for careers in education through hands-on experiences. The three-year grants — which were awarded primarily to rural, understaffed and underfunded areas — also strive to increase diversity within the state’s teacher workforce. 

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci will hold office hours at the Rantoul Business Center on Thursday, Aug. 29 to give residents an opportunity to receive assistance and ask questions.

“I encourage all residents to take advantage of these office hours and come express their concerns and ideas,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “My staff will be available to offer additional insight about legislation, resources and programs.”

The event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rantoul Business Center, located at 601 S. Century Blvd. in Rantoul. Faraci’s office will provide coffee for attendees.

This free event is an initiative from Faraci’s office to assist residents with state resources, as well as increase accessibility and government accountability by holding office hours at different days, times and locations.

If anyone has questions or concerns, they are encouraged to contact Faraci’s office at 217-355-5252 or visit his website at SenatorFaraci.com.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure to extend utility bill relief so more Illinois households can receive assistance was signed into law on Friday.  

“If we want to help keep people in their homes, especially those on a fixed income, this is the right thing to do,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “The extension of this program is an investment in the health and well-being of our community.”

Faraci’s measure eliminates the scheduled sunset date on a state fund that finances two needs-based assistance programs – the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). The fund was set to shut down Jan. 1, 2025.

LIHEAP and PIPP offer bill payment assistance to low-income residential utility customers by helping eligible households pay for home energy services. Both assistance programs are administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure to give veterans and first responders access to mental health providers of their choice was signed into law on Friday.

“As we see the federal government start to crack down on non-compete agreements, it’s important that we stay ahead of the curve in Illinois,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “The goal of this initiative is to expand access for veterans and first responders who want to receive mental health treatment from the licensed professional of their choice.”

The measure was brought to Senator Faraci because a mental health provider was sued for providing health care services to a firefighter under a non-compete clause. These clauses are common when a mental health professional leaves their place of employment; often times their contract contains a non-compete clause, leaving them unable to provide services within a 50-mile radius for two years. Police, fire and veteran organizations often want to contract mental health professionals that have a shared background or an establishment of trust with the organization, making these non-compete clauses detrimental to mental health care access for first responders and veterans. In the 52nd District, a non-compete clause would not only prevent a mental health counselor from providing services in Champaign, but it would also stop them from providing services in surrounding communities, including Urbana, Rantoul and Danville.