CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that seven school districts in the 52^nd Senate District will receive more than $20,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“This funding to school district libraries isn't just an investment in books, it's an investment in the heart of our communities and the minds of our future,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We want to empower these libraries to be able to make the necessary investments for our children.”

Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

The following school districts in Faraci’s district received a total of $20,051:

• Champaign School District 4 - $8,782
• Danville School District 118 - $3,823
• Oakwood School District 76 - $850
• Rantoul School District 137 - $1,364
• Rantoul School District 193 - $850
• Urbana School District 116 - $3,411
• Westville School District 2 - $971

The grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support school library services for over 1 million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade across the state.

For a full list of libraries that received funding, visit the Secretary of State’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Paul Faraci will give community college students a clear path to in-state four-year universities.

“I believe that any student who grew up in Illinois should have the opportunity to attend one of our state’s universities,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This new law will give community college students a clear path to stay in-state.”

Under the new law, all Illinois four-year public universities will be required to create a four-year admissions program that admits community college transfer students each semester, beginning with the 2024-2025 academic school year.

The new program would guarantee university admission to all applicants who have enrolled at an Illinois community college after graduating from an Illinois high school, have earned a minimum of 36 graded, transferable semester hours at the time of application to the university, have attained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all completed transferable coursework, and have satisfied the university’s English language proficiency requirement.

Faraci’s legislation builds upon two existing laws that provide automatic admissions to Illinois universities, with one designated for high school graduates and the other for community college graduates. The University of Illinois began guaranteed admissions last year for community college transfer students who meet certain requirements, and Faraci’s initiative extends that guarantee to all state public universities.

"If a program is working at one school, why shy away from implementing it across the state?” said Faraci. “This is a common-sense change that will help students across the state continue their higher education journey right here at home.”

House Bill 3760 takes effect Jan. 1.

DANVILLE – With the local community already showing support, State Senator Paul Faraci is reminding residents that they can still participate in the Vermilion County warm socks drive until Friday, Dec. 15.

“I want to thank everyone in the community for helping make this warm socks drive successful,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “For those who are still looking to donate, we are still in need of women’s and children’s socks.”

From now until Dec. 15, community members are encouraged to participate by donating new socks for men, women and children in Vermilion County. Faraci is highlighting the need for women’s and children’s socks as the majority of donations so far have been men’s socks. Residents can donate at these participating locations:

• Senator Faraci’s District Office | 201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323, Danville
  • Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Robinson Chiropractic | 3595 N. Vermilion St., Danville
  • Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Westville Village Hall | 201 N. State St., Westville
  • Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donations will benefit Crosspoint at the Y Homeless Program, Danville Rescue Mission (Vermilion Community Restoration) and Fair Hope Children’s Ministry.

For questions or additional information, contact Faraci’s office at 217-442-5252.

CHAMPAIGN – In an effort to make sure that no one living in a long-term care facility feels forgotten this holiday season, State Senator Paul Faraci is hosting a holiday card drive for seniors in Champaign County.

“The holiday season is about spreading love and joy, especially to those who may feel lonely or disconnected,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This holiday card drive is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and bring smiles to the faces of our seniors.”

Faraci is collecting store bought and handmade cards for Champaign County seniors this holiday season. People are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to his office, located at 45 E. University Ave., Suite 206, Champaign, Illinois 61820. The last day to drop off cards is Dec. 15. The cards will then be delivered to local long-term care facilities.

"I believe that even the smallest acts of kindness go a long way,” said Faraci. “These cards will not only deliver holiday wishes but also serve as a reminder to our seniors that they are cherished and valued members of our community.”

The goal of the holiday collection drive is to brighten the spirits of seniors who may feel isolated during the holiday season, fostering a sense of warmth and connection within the community. If you have any questions, please reach out to Senator Faraci’s office at 217-355-5252.