SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is continuing his efforts to improve access to mental health care for veterans and first responders through legislation aimed at strengthening recent reforms.

“First responders and veterans deserve unrestricted access to the care they need to protect their mental health,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This measure ensures there’s no uncertainty about who is covered under this law and reinforces our commitment to improving mental health access in Illinois.”

Earlier this year, Faraci sponsored Senate Bill 2737 to ensure first responders and veterans can seek mental health care from providers of their choice by limiting the impact of non-compete clauses in employment contracts. The new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, was prompted by concerns from a mental health provider who was sued for providing health care services to a firefighter under a non-compete clause.

CHAMPAIGN – During the winter months, hats, gloves and hand warmers are among the most essential items requested by people experiencing homelessness, leading State Senator Paul Faraci and the U of I Community Credit Union to co-host a donation drive collecting new cold-weather items for shelters in Champaign County.

“Champaign County shelters are vital for supporting our community, especially when winter weather sets in,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “By coming together and donating these essential items, we can ensure no residents have to face the cold unprepared.”

From now until Nov. 25, community members are encouraged to donate new hats, gloves and hand warmers for adults and children to help neighbors in need stay warm this winter. Donated items will be distributed to local shelters, ensuring vulnerable individuals are protected as temperatures drop.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced legislation to prohibit carbon capture and sequestration activities over, under or through the Mahomet Aquifer – a vital sole-source aquifer supplying clean drinking water to over 500,000 residents across 14 counties in East Central Illinois.

“The Mahomet Aquifer is a lifeline for many residents, and while carbon sequestration can play a role in addressing climate change, we need to ensure it doesn’t put our community’s water at risk,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This measure is about exercising caution to protect the health and safety of our residents and safeguarding this crucial resource for our future generations.”

The Mahomet Aquifer is not only a source of drinking water, but it also supports agricultural and industrial industries in the region. While federal protections exist for groundwater, concerns remain about the long-term safety of underground storage near the aquifer. In the event of a leak, carbonic acid could react with other minerals in the rock formations, releasing new elements into the water. Recent assessments from the Illinois Geological Survey underscore the vulnerability of the aquifer, warning that these activities would need to be closely monitored to prevent environmental damage.

CHAMPAIGN — State Senator Paul Faraci recently announced that over $1.4 million has been granted to three higher education intuitions in Champaign and Vermilion Counties.

“This funding is a major win for our communities,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Access to reliable library resources and basic education is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. These grants will ensure the institutions in our district can continue to serve as centers of learning and opportunity for all community members.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.