I stopped by the Illinois Technology Entrepreneur Center to attend entrepreneurship advising hours and helped coach a few teams with their startup ideas. Young entrepreneurs are the future architects of our world, driven by passion, creativity and innovation to build businesses that solve some of society's most pressing challenges. Their entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering determination inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) released the following statement after his office’s Valentine’s Day Card drive received more than 500 cards for veterans from community members:

“We wanted to continue the practice of Valentine’s Day Card deliveries that Senator Scott Bennett started. In partnership with the Vermilion County War Museum, we were able to deliver over 500 cards to local veterans."

“I had one veteran come up to me after I gave him a Valentine’s Day card. He let me know that he doesn’t have any family and that the card meant the world to him. At that point, he and I were both holding back tears. That moment is exactly what we hoped to accomplish with the Drive.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci responded to the governor’s proposed budget address Wednesday.

“Illinois needs to pass a budget that is fair to parents, workers, seniors, veterans and farmers,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We also need to make sure the vital services that so many Illinois families rely on are fully funded. The governor’s proposed budget is a good start.”

The governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2024 makes a $350 million payment to Evidence-Based Funding for K-12 education and $86.4 million for special education grants.

“Putting extra dollars into evidenced based funding will help keep property taxes from rising across our area,” said Faraci.

The proposed budget also includes $26 million for continued compliance with the Ligas Consent Decree, $12 million for annual placements and $14 million for 700 new placements for children living with disabilities.

“We need to fully fund these vital programs to support young people living with disabilities along with their loved ones,” Faraci said. “The governor’s budget proposal outlines a good first step. However, we should seize this opportunity to increase funding and support to ensure our most vulnerable populations have the resources and to live their lives with dignity.”

The governors proposed budget also includes $10 million to recruit and retain minority entrepreneurs in Illinois.

“In the coming months, I hope to see negotiations continue and land in a place where Illinoisans can be confident that state is making responsible decisions,” said Faraci. “From Rantoul to Champaign/Urbana to Danville and everywhere in between, we want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to thrive.”