SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci sponsored a measure that expands access to overdose prevention supplies for providers enrolled in the Illinois Department of Human Service’s Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Division Drug Overdose Prevention Team.

“We need to throw the book at the ongoing opioid crisis, because something needs to change,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Even a change that seems small is a step in the right direction. The opioid epidemic has destroyed families all across central Illinois and the country, and we need to start taking it seriously."

Currently, only pharmacists, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants or their designees are authorized to dispense adulterant testing supplies. Faraci’s law also allows trained overdose responders for an organization enrolled in the Drug Overdose Prevention Program administered by IDHS to dispense drug adulterant testing supplies.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure to rename and expand the ABLE Account Program in honor of the late Senator Scott Bennett was signed into law.

“Senator Scott Bennett was passionate in his advocacy for people living with disabilities and their families,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “He was their voice, their supporter and their defender when they didn’t have one. By renaming the ABLE Account program in honor of Senator Bennett, his endless service and commitment to bettering the lives and world around him will always be remembered.”

The program, created and passed by Senator Scott Bennett during the 99th General Assembly, allows individuals with disabilities and their families to save money for expenses related to living with a disability without losing access to certain federal government assistance. Under Faraci’s legislation, the ABLE Account Program will be renamed to the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci and the Illinois Housing Development Authority announced that families, seniors and people with disabilities in Champaign and Urbana will see new and renovated affordable housing options thanks to funding from federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.

“Access to safe and affordable housing is fundamental for all members of our community,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This funding represents a significant step toward improving the lives of our residents. By investing in low-income housing initiatives, we are building an environment where everyone can have a place to call home.”

The tax credits will generate an estimated $235 million in private capital to finance the creation and preservation of 1,159 affordable units for low- to moderate-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program was created through the federal Tax Reform Act of 1986. The IRS allocates a certain number of tax credits annually to each state based on population.

Of the 18 affordable housing developments receiving funding, Parker Glen II in Champaign and Steer Place Apartments in Urbana are among the recipients. Thanks to the tax credits, Parker Glen II will construct a new housing development complex and Steer Place Apartments will rehabilitate and modernize the existing 108-unit apartment complex for seniors 55 and older.

CHAMPAIGN—State Senator Paul Faraci is inviting local residents to ask questions about state resources and provide feedback on legislative priorities at his upcoming Coffee and Conversation event on June 29.

“Connecting with residents and ensuring we, as elected officials, are accessible to them should be the basis of all we do,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “If you are having an issue with a state service, want to connect over ideas that would help our community or just want to say hello – I encourage you to stop by.”

The event will be held Thursday, June 29 from 8 – 9 a.m. at the Espresso Royale Stadium Plaza, located at 1411 S. Neil St. in Champaign.

Each monthly Coffee and Conversation serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and the state.

The event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Faraci’s Champaign office at 217-355-5252 or visit his website at www.SenatorFaraci.com.