SPRINGFIELD – Under a proposal led by State Senator Paul Faraci, savings accounts for people living with disabilities, known as the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program, will be expanded.

"This crucial measure seeks to enhance the ABLE program, empowering individuals living with disabilities and their families with greater financial independence, while safeguarding essential benefits,” said Faraci (D-Champaign).  “These changes reflect our commitment to inclusivity and support for those who need it most.”

House Bill 3641 makes expansive changes to the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program, which helps people living with disabilities and their families save and invest for expenses related to living with a disability without jeopardizing their eligibility for certain government benefits. The measure would allow people over the age of 18 to start an IL ABLE account and enable the accounts to conserve additional benefits, such as VA benefits.

“It's our duty to empower those living with disabilities and their families to navigate life's challenges with dignity and autonomy,” said Faraci.

Faraci serves as a chief cosponsor of House Bill 3641.

It passed the Illinois Senate with bipartisan support and awaits further action in the House. To read more about the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program, including benefits and eligibility, click here.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that a combined total of $871,000 is coming to communities in Champaign and Vermilion counties to support local revitalization efforts.

“Excellent work is being done in our community to rehab deteriorating residential properties to get these homes back on the market,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “So much can be done to make our neighborhoods stronger and safer with investment in this program.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority recently approved $19 million to support affordable housing and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. Awarded under the Strong Communities Program, the initiative will provide funding to 68 units of local governments and land bank authorities for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of abandoned residential properties in their communities. The program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

The second round of Strong Communities Program awardees include:

• Champaign County Regional Planning Council: $337,000
• City of Champaign: $135,000
• City of Danville: $399,000

"The Central Illinois Land Bank Authority is really excited for the five member communities that worked hard with us to prepare for this grant,” said Mike Davis, executive director of the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority, which will administer the Champaign County Regional Planning Council’s $337,000 grant. “Paxton, Westville, Georgetown, Oakwood and Ridge Farm are all interested in tackling blight proactively, and with the land bank's help, each community will now get $60,000 to address the most blighted properties they have. This IHDA grant follows $500,000-plus  in previous IHDA Strong Communities grants to the Central Illinois Land Bank for their anti-blight work Vermilion County communities — we're very grateful for IHDA's support."

The grants are funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital plan and will leverage IHDA’s existing funding to increase property values, create jobs, help reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue and attract further community investment in underserved communities around the state. A total of $30 million in grant funding has been awarded through two application rounds.

To learn more about the Stronger Communities Program, click here.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“No family should be left wondering how they are going to keep their home warm during the winter months,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I encourage all qualifying residents to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for assistance while resources are available.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

CHAMPAIGN—State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) released the following statement following the passing of former State Representative Bill Black:

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Bill Black. Bill dedicated his life to public service, and we will never forget his contributions to our community and our state. As we remember Bill, let us also remember the legacy that he has left behind. He was an individual who proved that one person can change the lives of many.

“I had the privilege of working with Bill in the early 2000’s, and I have held a great amount of respect for him ever since. Bill was an honest man who cared deeply for the people of Vermilion County. Our community is a better place because of his dedication, and he will be missed dearly.

“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”