SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) released the following statement after the governor signed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget into law:

"Illinoisans deserve a responsible state budget that promotes local economic growth and safeguards essential funding for the most vulnerable. This year’s budget delivers on those issues and I was proud to support it.

"Empowering students with job training and access to higher education is pivotal for driving our economy forward. To foster such opportunities, this budget allocates increased funds for needs-based tuition assistance and specialized development programs. These initiatives aim to cultivate a skilled workforce and enhance enrollment rates in our community colleges and universities.

“This budget is something that we should all be proud of, and I believe it will make a positive impact on so many lives across the state.”