Faraci announces over $14,000 for Champaign County public school libraries

CHAMPAIGN – With help from State Senator Paul Faraci, state funding has been awarded to public school libraries across Champaign County as part of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ statewide initiative to strengthen library resources for students.

“This funding ensures libraries across the state, including right here in Champaign County, have the tools they need to support students,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Every student deserves access to a strong school library filled with resources that open doors to learning and opportunity.”

The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services supported through the grants include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

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Faraci bill aims to protect clean drinking water for 800,000 Illinois residents

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is building on ongoing efforts to protect the Mahomet Aquifer – a vital sole-source aquifer supplying clean drinking water to approximately 800,000 people across 15 counties in East Central Illinois.

“Our communities rely on the Mahomet Aquifer for safe, clean drinking water – there is no backup plan,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “While carbon sequestration has potential, we cannot gamble with the health of almost one million people. This bill ensures we don’t put short-term projects ahead of long-term water security.”

Faraci’s measure would prohibit carbon sequestration over, under or through the Mahomet Aquifer, enforcing sustainable practices and preventing harmful activities. This is crucial for residents of Central Illinois, as the aquifer is the only source of clean drinking water for at least half of the population it serves – meaning those residents would have no alternative should the aquifer become contaminated.

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Faraci-backed program to protect missing individuals with developmental disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – When a person with developmental disabilities goes missing, time is of the essence – but existing alert systems do not always address their unique needs. A measure from State Senator Paul Faraci is looking to change that by creating the Golden Search Awareness Program, ensuring law enforcement, families and communities have the tools to respond effectively.

“For families with loved ones who have developmental disabilities, a missing persons case is even more urgent,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This bill will make sure we have a system in place that recognizes these challenges and brings people home safely.”

Currently, Illinois relies on broad alert systems such as the AMBER Alert and Silver Alert, which do not always account for the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Faraci’s measure would establish a Golden Search Task Force, which would work to implement a statewide awareness program in coordination with the Endangered Missing Person Advisory. This initiative would help educate communities, law enforcement and organizations that support individuals with disabilities, making certain they know how to recognize and respond when someone with developmental disabilities goes missing.

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Faraci measure to elevate protections for Mahomet Aquifer

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is building on ongoing efforts to protect the Mahomet Aquifer – a vital sole-source aquifer supplying clean drinking water to approximately 800,000 people across 15 counties in East Central Illinois.

“Protecting the Mahomet Aquifer is not just about preserving water; it’s about safeguarding the future of our community,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “While innovation in carbon sequestration holds promise, we must prioritize the health and safety of our residents, ensuring progress never comes at the expense of our most vital resource.”

Faraci’s measure would prohibit carbon sequestration over, under or through the Mahomet Aquifer, enforcing sustainable practices and preventing harmful activities. This is crucial for residents of Central Illinois, as the aquifer is the only source of clean drinking water for at least half of the population it serves – meaning those residents would have no alternative should the aquifer become contaminated.

“While we’re poised to lead the way in carbon capture technologies, our progress must be balanced with an unwavering commitment to protecting our essential resources and safeguarding the health of our residents,” said Faraci.

Senate Bill 1723 passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee Thursday.