Welcome To Senator Paul Faraci's Legislative Website

Faraci encourages park districts to apply for newest round of OSLAD funding

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci is urging park districts and municipalities in the 52nd District to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant.

“This program has acted as an essential pathway for ensuring folks have a variety of safe green spaces to enjoy,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “However, this funding goes beyond just obtaining recreational spaces; it also helps improve the infrastructure our residents, especially children, already use and supports outdoor activity for families with a range of needs, prioritizing community safety, health and accessibility.” 

This year, $37.5 million in grant funding is available for qualifying applicants. IDNR will provide funding to cover 90% of eligible projects in underserved communities. Eligible projects can include development or renovation of picnic tables, playgrounds, fishing piers, sports courts/fields, park paths and more. Communities whose parks have been damaged as a result of severe weather are encouraged to apply as well.

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Faraci law to expand financial freedom for individuals with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure that will modify how individuals with developmental disabilities are made aware of critical money-saving resources through the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program was signed into law Friday.

“This law will be essential for uplifting individuals with disabilities and their families so they can make real strides toward financial independence without violating SSI and Medicaid’s benefit eligibility rules,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “With just a small change, we’re providing tangible relief to residents who are looking to maximize saving for their future and ensuring the Scott Bennett ABLE Program is accessible to everyone in need.”

Under Faraci’s law, the Illinois Department of Human Services will be required to provide informational materials about the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program to all individuals receiving or applying for IDHS-funded disability services. This will include individuals who are placed in a facility licensed under specific Illinois statutes, such as the ID/DD Community Care Act – which governs immediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities.

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Faraci law to rename Kickapoo Rail Trail Bridge in honor of Scott Bennett

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is highlighting a new law he spearheaded that will honor the legacy and lasting impact of the late State Senator Scott Bennett by renaming the railroad trestle bridge on Kickapoo Rail Trail.

“Scott Bennett’s impact on not only East Central Illinois but also the entire state will never go unnoticed, and this is a small token of our appreciation toward his tireless efforts to the betterment of the 52nd District during his time as state senator,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Scott was a mentor, friend and all-around good person, and I’m glad our communities will remember his legacy and memory for generations to come. No one is more deserving of this honor.”

Faraci’s law will honor Bennett’s memory in Vermilion County by designating the railroad trestle bridge on Kickapoo Rail Trail as the Senator Scott Bennett Memorial Bridge. It will also allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to erect plaques in recognition of the designation, pending the agency’s funding availability.

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Cooling Centers

Champaign County

Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department
201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign, IL
Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Salvation Army of Champaign County
2212 N. Market St., Champaign, IL
Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Champaign Public Library
200 W. Green St., Champaign, IL
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Douglass Branch Library
504 E. Grove St., Champaign IL
Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Leonhard Recreation Center
2307 Sangamon Dr., Champaign, IL
Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday noon to 7 p.m.

Urbana City Building
400 S. Vine St., Urbana, IL
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Urbana Free Library
210 W. Green St., Urbana, IL
Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

Salt and Light
1819 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, IL
Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Phillips Recreation Center
505 W. Stoughton St., Urbana, IL
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to noon

Urbana Health and Wellness Center
2002 E. Washington St., Urbana, IL
Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rantoul Forum Fitness Center
200 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul, IL
Monday-Thursday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rantoul Public Library
106 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul, IL
Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. 

Vermilion County

The Dwelling Place, First Presbyterian Church
100 N. Franklin St., Danville, IL
Monday & Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CRIS Healthy-Aging Center
309 N. Franklin St., Danville, IL
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Danville Rehabilitation Services Office
407 N. Franklin St., Danville, IL
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Danville Village Mall
2917 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL
Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

Danville Public Library
319 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Danville Family YMCA
1111 N. Vermilion, Danville, IL
Monday-Thursday 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.