SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci will serve as the Vice Chair of the Senate Labor Committee and on the Senate Higher Education Committee for the 103^rd General Assembly.

“With my background in labor, I will be an advocate for workers’ rights and the improvement of working conditions in the state,” Faraci (D-Champaign) said. “On the Senate Higher Education Committee, I will work to make higher education more accessible and will fight for a system of postsecondary education that works for everyone.” 

Senator Faraci will also serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

“We need to ensure that we take care of students, farmers and workers,” said Faraci. “I believe that these committee assignments will put me in a position to better advocate for residents of the 52^nd district.”

To see a full list of Faraci’s committee assignments, click here.

Senator Faraci attended church services at Bethel AME Church - Champaign.

Pictured: Rev. Terrance L. Thomas

DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College is set to receive $302,000 in funding for pre-apprenticeship programs in the trades, State Senator Paul Faraci announced Monday.

“Pre-apprenticeship programs play a vital role in our skilled labor force,” Faraci (D-Champaign) said. “This funding will provide opportunities for individuals interested in starting a career in the trades.” 

A total of $13 million awarded to 29 organizations will help support pre-apprenticeship training programs across the state. This funding will increase the talent pool of candidates from all backgrounds.

Danville Area Community College Career Center strives to coordinate and facilitate all employment and career planning related activities in partnership with staff, students, and current and future employers. All Danville Area Community College students, prospective and current, alumni, and community members are eligible to utilize the Career and Employment Services office and can find more information here.

“The $300,000 that DACC receives will pay all of the expenses for 30 students this year to work as apprentices in the building trades. These students will ‘learn as they earn’—taking DACC classes while getting paid for hands-on experience in carpentry, plumbing, or construction,” said Danville Area Community College President Dr. Stephen Nacco.

The funding comes from the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act as part of Rebuild Illinois, which provides Illinois residents access to jobs created by state capital projects. Pre-apprenticeship programs offer a structured pathway to help graduates transition to a full apprenticeship program in the construction and building trades.

Information on the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can be found here.

CHAMPAIGN – With the support of State Senator Paul Faraci, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District will receive $7.15 million to improve transportation through bus upgrades.

“According to the U.S. Census, Champaign County is one of the few Illinois counties actually growing in size,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I am glad to see this state funding allocated to our area, and I will continue to push the state to give Champaign County its fair share.” 

The third round of Rebuild Illinois grants provides $113.8 million for Downstate transit providers as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program. Awards are supporting projects that include the purchase of new vehicles as well as the construction of stations and maintenance facilities that improve service.

The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District will receive $7,150,000 to replace outdated or worn buses with new hybrid vehicles to increase accessibility and ensure transportation options are up-to-date.