CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced legislation to prohibit carbon capture and sequestration activities over, under or through the Mahomet Aquifer – a vital sole-source aquifer supplying clean drinking water to over 500,000 residents across 14 counties in East Central Illinois.

“The Mahomet Aquifer is a lifeline for many residents, and while carbon sequestration can play a role in addressing climate change, we need to ensure it doesn’t put our community’s water at risk,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This measure is about exercising caution to protect the health and safety of our residents and safeguarding this crucial resource for our future generations.”

The Mahomet Aquifer is not only a source of drinking water, but it also supports agricultural and industrial industries in the region. While federal protections exist for groundwater, concerns remain about the long-term safety of underground storage near the aquifer. In the event of a leak, carbonic acid could react with other minerals in the rock formations, releasing new elements into the water. Recent assessments from the Illinois Geological Survey underscore the vulnerability of the aquifer, warning that these activities would need to be closely monitored to prevent environmental damage.

CHAMPAIGN — State Senator Paul Faraci recently announced that over $1.4 million has been granted to three higher education intuitions in Champaign and Vermilion Counties.

“This funding is a major win for our communities,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Access to reliable library resources and basic education is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. These grants will ensure the institutions in our district can continue to serve as centers of learning and opportunity for all community members.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci joined the Illinois Department of Agriculture in announcing funding for the University of Illinois and University of Illinois Extension as part of the 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and expand the availability of fresh, locally grown produce statewide.

“Ensuring every family has access to fresh, healthy food is a priority,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This funding will help bring more locally grown produce into our schools, markets and homes, which will have a lasting impact on the health of our residents.”

The grant will fund projects that focus on improving specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables and herbs – or crops that are essential for diversifying farming and healthy local food systems. In Illinois, specialty crops account for more than $400 million annually in farm sales, representing a growing sector of the state’s agriculture.

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.