CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci joined the Department of Human Services and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing grant awards to 70 human services providers throughout the state, including two in Champaign County.

“As a state, it’s our responsibility to ensure that all individuals have equal access to the necessary resources and services they need to lead healthy and productive lives,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “These grant awards will help our human services providers meet the needs of the communities they serve by providing safer and more accessible spaces for their clients.”

A total of $14 million in funding will be distributed to 70 human services providers in the state, including two in Champaign County. Bradley Street Day Care Center will be awarded $93,908, while Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County will receive $130,635.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure out of the Senate on Thursday that would ensure fairness in the tax collection process.

“This legislation ensures that property owners are not penalized for mistakes that were not their own and are out of their control,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Property owners should not have to face excess financial burdens because of the errors made by others.”

This measure would waive the interest penalty for delinquent property taxes if the property owner does not receive a tax bill because it was mailed to the wrong address or e-mailed to the incorrect address, and if the mistake was not the fault of the property owner.

Under current law, the Property Tax Code imposes a penalty of 1.5% interest per month on delinquent property taxes. Senate Bill 2277 would add that interest on delinquent property taxes will be waived when a property owner does not receive his or her property tax bill for the applicable tax year because the bill was mailed to an incorrect address.

Senate Bill 2277 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further action.

CHAMPAIGN –State Senator Paul Faraci is urging all residents who receive Medicaid benefits to verify their information and renew their coverage so they can continue receiving health insurance.

“Medicaid provides essential health care services to many Illinoisans, and it’s important that those who rely on this program take the necessary steps to renew their coverage,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I want to remind all residents who receive these benefits to take a few minutes to verify their information.”

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has allowed for continuous Medicaid coverage. However, as this emergency ends, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services wants to protect coverage for as many people possible.

To help as many people as possible keep their Medicaid coverage, HFS needs updated addresses to send people their renewal forms. People who use Medicaid can update their addresses two ways: calling the HFS hotline (877-805-5312), or through an HFS web form at medicaid.illinois.gov.

“Everyone should have access to quality health care, so don’t risk losing yours and verify your information now,” said Faraci.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure to rename and expand the ABLE Account Program in honor of the late Senator Scott Bennett passed the Senate on Thursday.

“People living with disabilities and their families were a top priority for Senator Bennett, who was a strong advocate and voice for those who didn’t always have one,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “To honor his legacy, renaming the ABLE Account Program was one of my priorities to ensure his work service and commitment to bettering the lives of those around him is remembered for years to come.”

The program, created and passed by Senator Scott Bennett during the 99th General Assembly, allows individuals with disabilities and their families to save money for expenses related to living with a disability without losing access to certain federal government assistance. Under Faraci’s legislation, the ABLE Account Program would be renamed to the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

The ABLE Program is a critical tool for individuals with disabilities and their families, allowing them to save and invest for expenses related to their disability without losing access to federal means-tested benefits such as SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. With a maximum savings limit of $100,000, individuals can rest assured that they have a secure financial future.

“I’m proud to spearhead a measure that provides financial stability and security for individuals living with disabilities and their families while also honoring Senator Bennett’s legacy,” Faraci said.

Senate Bill 2247 passed the Senate and awaits action before the House.