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CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci joined community partners last week to celebrate the opening of Hope Village, a $9.6 million development providing 24 permanent supportive homes for Champaign County residents who are chronically unhoused and experiencing significant medical challenges.

“Hope Village is an example of what can happen when people recognize a need in their community and come together to find a solution,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home, and for those facing housing instability while managing serious medical challenges, that stability can make all the difference. I’m proud to see this vision come through in Champaign-Urbana.”

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced over $125,000 is coming to a local tourism partner in the 52nd District thanks to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s latest rounds of tourism funding to boost marketing partnerships and international travel.

“The 52nd District is home to amazing attractions that residents, visitors and international travelers can all enjoy, including the historic Virginia Theater downtown and the Krannert Art Museum on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I’m glad to see these investments coming to Champaign County to ensure our community can continue to draw in crowds that support the businesses, attractions and events that make the 52nd District so special.”

Two programs administered by DCEO are supporting tourism investments in the district Faraci represents. Through the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program, the Champaign County Convention & Visitors Bureau is set to receive $100,000 to promote the Champaign-Urbana area. Additionally, through the International Tourism Grant Program, the Champaign County CVB is also set to receive almost $26,000 to support advertising and promotions focused on the LGBTQ+ market, experiential travel, the agritourism sector, and press and influencer trips with Mexico.

CHAMPAIGN – To expand job training, career pathways and support services for East Central Illinoisans looking to enter in-demand careers, State Senator Paul Faraci secured over $400,000 for the University of Illinois through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Job Training and Economic Development program.

“Our region has been seeing steady growth in a range of career paths, like health care, education, advanced manufacturing and agricultural technology,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I’m proud to see funding coming to the 52nd District through this round of JTED, ensuring local residents have access to high-quality job training that will directly connect workers to careers in these sought-after fields.”

Through the third round of JTED funding, $11.4 million was awarded to 23 organizations across Illinois with the goal of addressing the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented – including youth who have one or more barriers to employment. Through JTED, the funding will help connect workers with the skills and resources they need to enter in-demand careers in the state while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need to grow.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci is sharing disaster assistance for those affected by the summer storms. Taxpayers in Champaign and Vermilion counties may be eligible for waived tax penalties and interest through the Illinois Department of Revenue.

“This temporary relief is essential for helping taxpayers in the 52nd District get back on their feet and recover from the storms that have hit our communities this summer,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I remain dedicated to working with other community leaders and organizations throughout this process to ensure our residents have the resources and support they need.”

Residents seeking a waiver of penalties and interest for taxes should send a brief written explanation to IDOR regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. They should provide their full name, account number (if using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.