DANVILLE – Thanks to expanded state funding for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, State Senator Paul Faraci helped secure a $550,000 grant for the Danville Area Community College to boost the local pipeline of diverse candidates in the construction and building trades.

“I’ve been proud to support the Illinois Works Program since I first entered the Senate in 2023, and it’s truly been rewarding to see the opportunities the program offers for residents of our communities – helping close employment gaps by supporting high-paying careers in the trades,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Through this partnership with DACC, we’re fostering a diverse, skilled workforce right here in East Central Illinois that directly combats the long-term shortage of trade workers currently facing the U.S.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure a lifelong career.

Through Illinois Works, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is expanding its statewide network of providers to recruit, prescreen and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training. Equally important, the program providers offer structured pathways and manage the program graduates' transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship program in construction and the building trades.  

Click here to learn more about the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

CHAMPAIGN – To show appreciation and lift the spirits of local seniors, State Senator Paul Faraci is collecting cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day.

“Receiving hand-written and store-bought cards from residents is so beneficial for the seniors in our district, helping to combat feelings of loneliness that individuals in long-term care facilities too often suffer with,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I encourage all who are able to participate in this year’s drive to ensure every senior in Champaign and Vermilion counties feels valued and connected with our communities this Valentine’s Day.”

Faraci is encouraging residents to write handmade or store-bought cards to help bring joy to older adults living in various senior facilities across the 52nd District. Children are also encouraged to participate.

Cards can be mailed or delivered now through Feb. 11 to Faraci’s Champaign County office, located at 45 E. University Ave., Suite 206, Champaign, IL 61820, or his Vermilion County office, located at 201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323, Danville, IL 61832.

For more information, contact Faraci’s Champaign office at 217-355-5252 or his Danville office at 217-442-5252.

CHAMPAIGN – Thanks to strong support from State Senator Paul Faraci, two Champaign County Park Districts have received over $1.1 million combined from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“This funding is critical for encouraging healthy lifestyles and revitalizing our communities, allowing residents to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities by improving our local infrastructure,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Not only will these projects create jobs in our area, helping to stimulate our economy, but they will also ensure our outdoor recreation areas are accessible and safe for community members.”

OSLAD – one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois – is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – A law sponsored by State Senator Paul Faraci will ensure families of students with disabilities have access to life-changing financial tools by requiring schools to share information about the Illinois’ ABLE savings program with parents of students who have 504 plans beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. 

“Individuals with disabilities – especially students – need focused care, ranging from specialized education to medical care to transportation services, all of which can be a financial challenge for families,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This law ensures Illinoisans know they can save for disability-related expenses without worrying about losing access to vital federal benefits – giving them much-needed flexibility with their finances.”

Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest their money for expenses related to living with a disability, offering greater financial independence while preserving vital public health benefits – like SSI or Medicaid. The Illinois ABLE program promotes independence, reduces reliance on public assistance and encourages greater economic participation by individuals with disabilities.