CHAMPAIGN – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Paul Faraci is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“This is a great opportunity for youngsters to receive a reward for reading all summer,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I encourage families with children to participate and join the 60 students who completed the Summer Book Club last year.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Faraci’s office by Aug. 16. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Faraci.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorFaraci.com/SBC. People with questions can reach out to Faraci’s office at (217) 355-5252 or (217) 442-5252.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci voted for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget on Sunday.

“I voted for a budget that is fiscally sound and invests in Champaign and Vermilion counties,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Our investments will make college more affordable for both community college and university students from all backgrounds and keep more students in Illinois after graduation.”

The Fiscal Year 2025 budget allocates enough funding to allow nearly all community college students and nearly half of students at public universities at or below median income levels to have their tuition and fees covered through need-based financial aid.

“As a 45-year resident of Champaign, I see the positive impact the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Parkland College and nearby Danville Area Community College have on our community and local economy. Now, the benefits of having these great colleges close-by can be enjoyed by every local student who wants to attend, regardless of their financial background.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure to extend utility bill relief so more Illinois households can receive assistance advanced through the Senate.

“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 would eliminate 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.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that three businesses in the 52^nd Senate District have been awarded grants through the Made in Illinois Grant Program.

“Our part of the state has so much potential and it’s good to see our small businesses get recognized for the important role they play in our economy,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We have to invest in our local manufacturing businesses because we have seen what happens to our supply chains when we’re too reliant on overseas products.”

The program, which provides up to $50,000 in matching grant funding, is dedicated to fostering innovation and strategic advancements within the Illinois manufacturing sector. Forty recipients across the state were awarded a combined total of $1.7 million.

Clifford-Jacobs Forging Company in Champaign received $33,510, Double S Liquid Feed Services in Danville received $35,565 and Wagner Machine Company in Champaign received $47,420 in funds.