CHAMPAIGN – With support from State Senator Paul Faraci, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the latest round of Back to Business grants awarded to businesses in the restaurant industry.

“Small businesses are what make our community a special place to live and raise a family,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This much-deserved influx of assistance will help our local economy and the local small businesses continue to provide a service to our community.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided over $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

Fifteen restaurants in the 52^nd Senate District will receive a combined total of $565,000 through this round of Back to Business grants.

“It’s great to see nine restaurants in Vermilion County awarded these grants,” said Tim Dudley. “The money will help stabilize businesses in our area and allow them to plan for the future.”

To see a full list of restaurants awarded Back to Business grants, visit DCEO’s website.

CHAMPAIGN – Five local organizations in Champaign and Vermilion Counties will receive over $1.1 million in combined grants to grow and enhance their services, thanks to support from State Senator Paul Faraci.

“This state money will help our local libraries continue to provide a great service to our community,” said Faraci (D-Champaign) “Libraries not only provide residents with access to knowledge and information, they are a safe haven for our children, providing programs to help them succeed.”  

Five area libraries and library services are set to receive a total of $1,147,850 to enhance community and family literacy, improve library services and upgrade current technology to ensure they are providing effective, accessible services to their residents.

Danville Community College will receive a Community Literacy Grant for $68,025 and Parkland College will receive a Community Literacy Grant and a Family Literacy Grant for a combined total of $125,954. Danville Correctional Center will receive $15,000 for library services.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Paul Faraci which makes the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program permanent is now law.

“This will help students from working-class families afford college,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We need to keep our best and brightest here, and this legislation will really make a difference.”

Beginning with the 2019-2020 academic year, The Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) Grant Program has provided merit-based, means-tested student financial aid to first-time, full-time undergraduate students and transfer students who are Illinois residents attending any of the 12 Illinois public four-year universities. AIM HIGH-participating universities are required to provide matching funding for institutional awards for students who meet certain eligibility requirements, as well as those established by each individual university.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci championed legislation that will waive fees for veterans adopting dogs or cats.

“Animals can be incredibly helpful in providing comfort to people who suffer from PTSD,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We are cutting fees so veterans can access the sense of companionship that animals provide.”

Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. The measure requires animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.

For our returning troops, the benefits of bonding with a pet is important to aiding the transition back to civilian life. The bond created between people and animals can reduce grief, lessen loneliness, and improve mental health and overall well-being. Pets have the ability to improve the lives of veterans and, likewise, veterans can improve the lives of sheltered animals by giving them a home.

"Every little bit helps, and this a small way we can thank those who protect and serve our country,” said Faraci.

House Bill 2500 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.