CHAMPAIGN – To show appreciation and lift the spirits of local seniors, State Senator Paul Faraci is collecting cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day.

“Receiving hand-written and store-bought cards from residents is so beneficial for the seniors in our district, helping to combat feelings of loneliness that individuals in long-term care facilities too often suffer with,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I encourage all who are able to participate in this year’s drive to ensure every senior in Champaign and Vermilion counties feels valued and connected with our communities this Valentine’s Day.”

Faraci is encouraging residents to write handmade or store-bought cards to help bring joy to older adults living in various senior facilities across the 52nd District. Children are also encouraged to participate.

Cards can be mailed or delivered now through Feb. 11 to Faraci’s Champaign County office, located at 45 E. University Ave., Suite 206, Champaign, IL 61820, or his Vermilion County office, located at 201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323, Danville, IL 61832.

For more information, contact Faraci’s Champaign office at 217-355-5252 or his Danville office at 217-442-5252.

CHAMPAIGN – Thanks to strong support from State Senator Paul Faraci, two Champaign County Park Districts have received over $1.1 million combined from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“This funding is critical for encouraging healthy lifestyles and revitalizing our communities, allowing residents to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities by improving our local infrastructure,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Not only will these projects create jobs in our area, helping to stimulate our economy, but they will also ensure our outdoor recreation areas are accessible and safe for community members.”

OSLAD – one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois – is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – A law sponsored by State Senator Paul Faraci will ensure families of students with disabilities have access to life-changing financial tools by requiring schools to share information about the Illinois’ ABLE savings program with parents of students who have 504 plans beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. 

“Individuals with disabilities – especially students – need focused care, ranging from specialized education to medical care to transportation services, all of which can be a financial challenge for families,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This law ensures Illinoisans know they can save for disability-related expenses without worrying about losing access to vital federal benefits – giving them much-needed flexibility with their finances.”

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.

SPRINGFIELD – When a person with developmental disabilities goes missing, time is of the essence – but existing alert systems do not always address their unique needs. That will change Jan. 1, thanks to a new law from State Senator Paul Faraci that creates the Golden Search Awareness Program, ensuring law enforcement, families and communities have the tools to respond effectively.

“Illinois currently uses AMBER Alerts, EMPA Alerts and Silver Alerts, but we need a specialized alert system for vulnerable populations – especially individuals who may not understand the dangers they’re in or can’t effectively communicate,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Implementing the Golden Search Awareness Program ensures we have a specific protocol in place to notify the public and police when at-risk Illinoisans go missing.” 

Faraci’s law establishes a Golden Search Task Force, which will work to implement a statewide awareness program – in coordination with the Endangered Missing Person Advisory – to account for the specific needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. This initiative will help educate communities, law enforcement and organizations that support individuals with disabilities, making certain they know how to recognize and respond when someone with developmental disabilities goes missing.