SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure to give veterans and first responders access to mental health providers of their choice passed the Senate.

“With a nationwide shortage of mental health professionals, we shouldn’t be limiting their ability to practice in our state,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This measure will expand access for veterans and first responders who want to receive mental health treatment from the licensed professional of their choice.”

The measure was brought to Senator Faraci because a mental health provider was sued for providing health care services to a firefighter under a non-compete clause. These clauses are common when a mental health professional leaves their place of employment; often times their contract contains a non-compete clause, leaving them unable to provide services within a 50-mile radius for two years. Police, fire and veteran organizations often want to contract mental health professionals that have a shared background or an establishment of trust with the organization, making these non-compete clauses detrimental to mental health care access for first responders and veterans. In the 52nd District, a non-compete clause would not only prevent a mental health counselor from providing services in Champaign, but it would also stop them from providing services in surrounding communities, including Urbana, Rantoul and Danville.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) and Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement in response to the United States Postal Service’s recommendations to downsize facilities in Central Illinois and move mail service to larger cities:

“We can’t risk our mail being diverted to St. Louis and Chicago. Moving local mail to post offices far from Central Illinois will not only slow down service, but also create life threatening hardships for those who rely on reliable mail service for their medication needs. Under these recommendations, Springfield, Champaign and surrounding communities will be directly impacted.

“Additionally, jobs will be lost or displaced, hurting our local economy, uprooting families and the increased wait times for mail will negatively impact our small businesses.

“If the Postmaster General wants to make sweeping changes that hurt our community in the name of ‘efficiency,’ we hope to see the evidence to back up the claims.”

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that North First Street in Champaign is being recognized as a State-Designated Cultural District.

"This designation will allow Champaign to receive additional funding specifically tailored to its historical and cultural identity,” said Faraci (D-Champaign) “Champaign is a special place to me, and I love to see new opportunities for economic development that protect residents and business owners in the community.”

State-Designated Cultural Districts are communities, towns or specific geographic areas that have a distinct shared historical and cultural identity that binds the community together. The purpose of the program is to encourage economic development, support the preservation and development of history and culturally significant structures, traditions and languages, foster local cultural development and education, provide a focal point for celebrating communities’ unique cultural identities, and promote equitable growth and opportunity without generating displacement.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) issued the following statement in response to the governor’s proposed budget address Wednesday:

“We need to pass a budget that is responsible and fair for Illinois families. The governor’s proposed budget is a good start.

“I want to see Illinois become a place where families are excited about their local school district, regardless of their ZIP code. In order for that to happen, the state has to keep good on its promise for continued investment in K-12 education. I’m happy to say that in the governor’s proposed budget, we are seeing the state keep its promise.

“It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I will be advocating for higher education as this is the largest economic engine for our community. Additional funding for higher education keeps more students in Illinois, which further helps our local economy. The additional $10 million for MAP grants in the governor’s proposal recognizes the importance of higher education in our state, but I will still push for more.

“An issue that is very important to myself and many families across Champaign and Vermilion counties is funding to support people living with disabilities. After reviewing the governor’s proposal, it’s good to see funding to expedite 630 children with disabilities from waiting lists into direct services, but we have to do more to help this community. It’s our responsibility to look out for our neighbors because they are worth the investment and deserve to live with dignity.

“In the coming months, budget negotiations will continue and I will work to fight for the priorities of residents in our community.”