SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a Fiscal Year 2024 budget, and State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign), released the following statement in response:

“Illinoisans deserve a state budget that is balanced, helps our local economy and protects funding for those who need it most. I believe that this year’s budget accomplishes those three things.

“Providing students with job training and higher education access drives our economy forward. This budget further invests in developing those opportunities by providing increased funding for needs based tuition assistance and specialized development programs to build the workforce pipeline and increase enrollment at our community colleges and universities.

“For far too long, families and loved ones of children with disabilities struggle to secure the essential services and support. This year’s budget will provide almost $2 billion for services for people living with disabilities and their families. This is a step in the right direction – however, we must continue to fight to ensure these children and their families do not have to wait years to receive lifesaving care.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci supported House Bill 301 which passed the Senate, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program.

“This legislation makes a firm investment in the ability for students from Illinois to attend college in Illinois,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Illinois is home to some incredible higher education institutions, and we want to make sure that our students have the best chance to take advantage of them.”

Beginning with the 2019-2020 academic year, The Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) has provided merit-based, means-tested student financial aid to first-time, full-time undergraduate students and transfer students who are Illinois residents attending any of the 12 Illinois public four-year universities. AIM HIGH-participating universities are required to provide matching funding for institutional awards for students who meet certain eligibility requirements, as well as those established by each individual university.

Senator Faraci’s legislation will do a few things, including making the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program permanent, increasing transparency in the program to allow more students to take advantage, increasing access for part-time students and making changes to the matching requirements for the public universities.

The changes to the matching requirement for institutions is based on the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants. Institutions with at least 49% of students receiving Pell Grants will now be required to contribute 35% of the grant amount, up from the previous 20%. Similarly, institutions with less than 49% of students receiving Pell Grants will now be required to contribute 70% of the grant amount, compared to the previous 60%. These changes will ensure that the AIM HIGH Grant Program targets those most in need, further amplifying its impact.

“I recognize that attending college isn’t for everyone, but I strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to attend if they so choose,” said Faraci. “We’re investing in the next generation of leaders and this action will help keep those leaders here in Illinois.”

House Bill 301 passed the Senate on Wednesday.

CHAMPAIGN – To commemorate the achievements and contributions of individuals who have records of exemplary service and commitments to improving conservation efforts and outdoor recreation opportunities in Illinois, State Senator Paul Faraci is asking residents to submit their nominations to the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame.

“If you know someone who works to protect and preserve our environment, please take the time to submit a name,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Their commitment to preserving our environment deserves recognition.”

Each year, a select few outdoor sportsmen and women, as well as conservationists and preservationists, will have the state’s highest outdoor honor bestowed upon them. Only those individuals who truly have made significant contributions or exhibited unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources or outdoor recreational opportunities will be eligible for induction into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame.

Some inductees touched the lives of thousands of youths and adults by promoting fishing, hunting, conservation and safety education. Others spearheaded efforts to preserve or enhance fish and wildlife habitats and protect and restore Illinois’ lakes and rivers. Some inductees are national and international leaders in conservation or advocates for outdoor heritage traditions. All have led by personal example and serve as role models for future generations of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Nominees selected will be inducted into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame next spring at the annual Illinois Conservation Foundation Outdoor Hall of Fame Gala. Nominations must be submitted on the official Hall of Fame Nomination form by July 14, 2023, to be considered.

For more information, contact the Illinois Conservation Foundation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-785-2003. Additional information may be found online at https://ilconservation.org.

DANVILLE – In partnership with I-Grow of Vermilion County, State Senator Paul Faraci is hosting a diaper drive for Vermilion County residents.

“Diapers are expensive, and there’s often little to no assistance available for families,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “It’s vital we help alleviate the burden families often face when it comes to purchasing these essential products.”

Faraci’s office is continuing a 2015 effort by the late Senator Scott Bennett to provide diapers to Vermilion County families in need. People can drop off donations now through June 2 at the collection box located outside of Faraci’s third floor district office at 201 N. Vermilion St. in Danville.

For more information, contact Senator Faraci’s Danville office at (217) 442-5252.