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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.

CHAMPAIGN – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the recipients of the second round of the Regional Site Readiness program, with over $5 million in funding coming to the 52nd District to aid industrial economic development in the East Central Illinois region, thanks to support from State Senator Paul Faraci.

“Through Site Readiness Planning and Capital Ready grants, Illinois is setting communities up for success as they seek major industrial business development projects,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We’re building upon our world-class infrastructure by supporting site readiness activities at dozens of sites throughout the state.”

The Regional Site Readiness Program aims to better prepare sites for industrial development across the state through more flexible funding to support the construction and infrastructure improvements necessary for future development. A total of $35 million was awarded to 22 sites across the state. The program includes two competitive funding opportunities: planning grants to support due diligence activities, studies and site plans, and Capital Ready grants to support capital infrastructure improvements.

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.