CHAMPAIGN - State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced Senate Bill 1439, which would expand the Illinois income tax credit for classroom materials to include educators at public universities, colleges and community colleges.

"Teachers and educators at all levels play a vital role in shaping our future generations, and it is important that we support their efforts in every way we can," said Faraci (D-Champaign). "Expanding the income tax credit for classroom materials to include college educators is a common-sense step towards providing them with the resources they need to enhance the learning experience for their students."

 Under current law, Illinois provides an income tax credit for classroom materials purchased by teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides working in a qualified school, which is defined as a public or nonpublic K-12 school. The credit is limited to $500 per taxpayer per taxable year.

Senate Bill 1439 would broaden the definition of “qualified school” to include public institutions of higher learning, effectively allowing college educators to claim the credit starting in taxable year 2024.

The Illinois income tax credit for classroom materials is a valuable resource for educators, allowing them to offset the cost of materials such as books, supplies and technology. By expanding the credit to college educators, Senate Bill 1439 will help to ensure that all teachers, instructors, counselors, principals or aides who work in a qualified school are eligible for this valuable benefit.

Senator Faraci encourages his fellow lawmakers to support Senate Bill 1439, which will help to support our educators and promote a strong and vibrant learning environment in Illinois.

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.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci will serve as the Vice Chair of the Senate Labor Committee and on the Senate Higher Education Committee for the 103^rd General Assembly.

“With my background in labor, I will be an advocate for workers’ rights and the improvement of working conditions in the state,” Faraci (D-Champaign) said. “On the Senate Higher Education Committee, I will work to make higher education more accessible and will fight for a system of postsecondary education that works for everyone.” 

Senator Faraci will also serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

“We need to ensure that we take care of students, farmers and workers,” said Faraci. “I believe that these committee assignments will put me in a position to better advocate for residents of the 52^nd district.”

To see a full list of Faraci’s committee assignments, click here.