SPRINGFIELD – In Illinois, countless parents of students with disabilities are missing a powerful opportunity to plan for their child’s future – simply because they do not know it exists. An initiative backed by State Senator Paul Faraci aims to change that by reshaping how information about critical resources reaches families who need them most. 

“Families navigating disabilities shouldn’t have to dig to find resources that can change their child’s future,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We’re making sure critical information finds them – early, directly and without exception.”

Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest their money for expenses related to living with a disability, offering greater financial independence while preserving vital public health benefits – like SSI or Medicaid. The Illinois ABLE program promotes independence, reduces reliance on public assistance and encourages greater economic participation by individuals with disabilities.

CHAMPAIGN – With help from State Senator Paul Faraci, more than $5,000 in state funding has been awarded to public school libraries across Vermilion County as part of a statewide initiative to strengthen library resources for students.

“This funding is an essential investment in the success and growth of our students,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Strengthening our school libraries ensures every child has the tools they need to learn, explore and imagine a brighter future.”

The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services supported through the grants include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

CHAMPAIGN – With help from State Senator Paul Faraci, state funding has been awarded to public school libraries across Champaign County as part of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ statewide initiative to strengthen library resources for students.

“This funding ensures libraries across the state, including right here in Champaign County, have the tools they need to support students,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Every student deserves access to a strong school library filled with resources that open doors to learning and opportunity.”

The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services supported through the grants include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is building on ongoing efforts to protect the Mahomet Aquifer – a vital sole-source aquifer supplying clean drinking water to approximately 800,000 people across 15 counties in East Central Illinois.

“Our communities rely on the Mahomet Aquifer for safe, clean drinking water – there is no backup plan,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “While carbon sequestration has potential, we cannot gamble with the health of almost one million people. This bill ensures we don’t put short-term projects ahead of long-term water security.”

Faraci’s measure would prohibit carbon sequestration over, under or through the Mahomet Aquifer, enforcing sustainable practices and preventing harmful activities. This is crucial for residents of Central Illinois, as the aquifer is the only source of clean drinking water for at least half of the population it serves – meaning those residents would have no alternative should the aquifer become contaminated.