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SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans who have defaulted on their student loan repayments will soon see increased opportunities for employment and retention at state agencies, thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Paul Faraci.   

“At a time when so many residents are struggling just to make ends meet and student loan interest rates are skyrocketing, we have an obligation to ensure our state agencies aren’t unintentionally following red-tape policies that turn qualified Illinoisans away from the state’s workforce,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Updating the law so residents who fall behind on their student loan repayment aren’t punished into a lifetime of debt isn’t just a smart business decision; it’s a moral declaration to Illinoisans across the state that we will support and uplift them in their times of need, the way government is intended to work for its people.”

Under previous Illinois law, any state agency employee whose student loans were in default for a period of six or more months, and in an amount of $600 or more, was required to make a satisfactory loan repayment arrangement with the loan’s cosigner or guarantor. If the employee failed to establish a satisfactory repayment arrangement prior to their sixth month of employment, the agency was required to terminate the individual’s employment.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure supported by State Senator Paul Faraci that will provide ongoing, accessible railroad safety education to students in Illinois’ public schools was signed by the governor Friday.

“Throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, my office had a plethora of residents reach out who were concerned about the safety of students who have to travel over train tracks to get to school and back home,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “By getting this bill over the finish line, the state is reaffirming our commitment to the well-being of our youth and empowering them to take control of their safety, directly reducing the chances of a preventable injury or death happening.”

House Bill 3743 requires all K-12 public schools to include railroad safety information in their student handbooks. A school will be able to opt out of this requirement if the school board determines that railroad safety is covered in the school's curriculum.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced the Illinois Workforce Pell, a new program expanding on the federal Pell Grant by allowing eligible students to use grant funding for short-term workforce training programs aligned with in-demand occupations, is now accepting applications.

“East Central Illinois’ workers are essential to our region, especially in sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, health care and education, and this extended program will be critical for ensuring students graduate with the skills and knowledge to excel in today’s workforce,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “From medical specialists and agricultural technicians to teachers and machinery maintenance workers, Workforce Pell will support students through a range of programs while maximizing their access to Illinois’ most in-demand careers.”

By extending Pell eligibility to shorter-term programs, Workforce Pell broadens access to a more affordable path to a recognized credential, tied to employer-validated, high-skill, high-wage or in-demand jobs across the state. Illinois developed a rigorous approval process to ensure participating programs meet high standards for quality, workforce alignment and student outcomes – protecting students while ensuring public investments support credentials with strong labor market value.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced 13 public libraries and school districts across Champaign and Vermilion counties are set to receive more than $375,000 for library services, enhanced programming and construction and security upgrades.

“Libraries are cornerstones of our communities, providing opportunities for lifelong learning, workforce development and meaningful connections,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “By investing in our libraries, we are expanding access to the resources families, students and job seekers rely on while building stronger, more vibrant communities in Central Illinois.”

More than $27 million was awarded to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries statewide through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants. The funding will support libraries’ investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.

In Faraci’s district, six public libraries and seven school districts received funding, including: