CHAMPAIGN — A total of three Champaign County libraries have been selected to receive Public Library Per Capita grants totaling $205,038 from the Secretary of State.

“I believe that libraries are the heart and soul of our communities,” said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “They serve as invaluable resources that foster knowledge, ignite curiosity and empower residents from all walks of life.”

The Public Library Per Capita Grants are authorized under Illinois library law for public libraries. Each year it allocates money for books and learning materials, staff, equipment, digital access and new technology. The following libraries in Champaign county received funding:

• Champaign Public Library - $130,245
• Rantoul Public Library - $18,247
• Urbana Free Library - $56,545

"The Champaign Public Library is thrilled to receive funding from the Public Library Per Capita Grant,” said Brittany Millington, Director of Champaign Public Library. “This support enables the Library to invest in its core services and expand resources to the community."

More information about the Public Library Per Capita grant program can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci supported legislation that would waive fees for veterans adopting dogs or cats.

“Animals can be incredibly helpful in providing comfort to people who suffer from PTSD,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We are cutting fees so veterans can access the sense of companionship that animals provide.”

Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. The measure would require animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.

For our returning troops, the benefits of bonding with a pet is important to aiding the transition back to civilian life. The bond created between people and animals can reduce grief, lessen loneliness, and improve mental health and overall well-being. Pets have the ability to improve the lives of veterans and, likewise, veterans can improve the lives of sheltered animals by giving them a home.

"Every little bit helps, and this a small way we can thank those who protect and serve our country,” said Faraci.

House Bill 2500 passed the Senate on Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci passed legislation to expand university admissions opportunities to community college transfer students who meet certain academic requirements.

"This pilot program at the University of Illinois has yielded great success,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This action will provide more students throughout Illinois with the opportunity to pursue higher education within the state.”

House Bill 3760 would require Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University and Western Illinois University to create a four-year admissions program that admits community college transfer students each semester, beginning with the 2024-2025 academic school year.

The new program would guarantee university admission to all applicants who have enrolled at an Illinois community college after graduating from an Illinois high school, have earned a minimum of 36 graded, transferable semester hours at the time of application to the university, have attained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all completed transferable coursework, and have satisfied the university’s English language proficiency requirement.

House Bill 3760 builds upon two existing laws that provide automatic admissions to Illinois universities, with one designated for high school graduates and the other for community college graduates. The previous law required the University of Illinois to admit community college transfer students who meet certain requirements, and House Bill 3760 would extend that guarantee to four additional Illinois universities.

"This proposal will secure assured admission to these universities for community college transfer students in Illinois, provided that they fulfill specific academic criteria,” said Faraci. “This approach will benefit both the universities and the students as it enables students to pursue their education further while assisting universities in fulfilling their enrollment objectives, creating a win-win situation."

House Bill 3760 passed the Senate on Thursday and awaits further action by the governor.

SPRINGFIELD – To honor the life and legacy of the late Senator Scott Bennett, State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure to name portions of I-74 the "Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway."

“Senator Bennett was treasured by friends, family and his community,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “His camaraderie and his dedication to serving his constituents will forever be missed. However, this is a way we can continue to honor him for decades to come”

Senator Scott Bennett joined the Senate as the unanimous choice to fill the vacancy in the 52^nd State Senate District in 2015. Since the beginning of his career, Senator Bennett dedicated his service to spurring economic development, supporting family farming, providing Illinois’ students with greater opportunities, and promoting bipartisanship across the state. As chair of the Senate’s Higher Education Committee, he was a champion for higher education facilities by advocating for funding and student rights.

Senator Bennett prioritized his service to the 52^nd State Senate District above himself, but his greatest love was for his family, his wife of 20 years, and his children, Sam and Emma. Senator Bennett sadly passed away in December.

“This means a lot to the family, said Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City). “It’s important to recognize all of the things Scott was able to accomplish by choosing to work together.”

Senate Joint Resolution 32 passed the Senate on Thursday.