CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“No family should be left wondering how they are going to keep their home warm during the winter months,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I encourage all qualifying residents to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for assistance while resources are available.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

CHAMPAIGN—State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) released the following statement following the passing of former State Representative Bill Black:

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Bill Black. Bill dedicated his life to public service, and we will never forget his contributions to our community and our state. As we remember Bill, let us also remember the legacy that he has left behind. He was an individual who proved that one person can change the lives of many.

“I had the privilege of working with Bill in the early 2000’s, and I have held a great amount of respect for him ever since. Bill was an honest man who cared deeply for the people of Vermilion County. Our community is a better place because of his dedication, and he will be missed dearly.

“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that eight Champaign County school districts will receive over $3.3 million in additional funding to help students. 

“It is important that we fully fund our local schools in order to give students the best possible learning outcomes,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Everyone has the right to a high-quality education, and funding from the evidence-based model helps us reach that goal.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

DANVILLE – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that four Vermilion County school districts will receive over $700,000 in evidence-based funding to help students. 

“The evidence-based funding model works, as it helps school districts and students across the state succeed,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “The funding will not only help our local schools, but should help school districts hold the line on property taxes .”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

Vermilion County schools set to receive funding through the formula include:

• Danville School District 118: $156,377
• Oakwood School District 76: $77,666
• Vermilion Regional Office of Education #54: $28,595
• Westville School District 2: $473,528

The Fiscal Year 24 budget invested $350 million in new funding into students’ success through the evidence-based funding model.

For more information on the FY 24 evidence-based funding distribution, visit the Illinois State Board of Education’s website.