SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) issued the following statement in response to the governor’s proposed budget address Wednesday:

“We need to pass a budget that is responsible and fair for Illinois families. The governor’s proposed budget is a good start.

“I want to see Illinois become a place where families are excited about their local school district, regardless of their ZIP code. In order for that to happen, the state has to keep good on its promise for continued investment in K-12 education. I’m happy to say that in the governor’s proposed budget, we are seeing the state keep its promise.

“It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I will be advocating for higher education as this is the largest economic engine for our community. Additional funding for higher education keeps more students in Illinois, which further helps our local economy. The additional $10 million for MAP grants in the governor’s proposal recognizes the importance of higher education in our state, but I will still push for more.

“An issue that is very important to myself and many families across Champaign and Vermilion counties is funding to support people living with disabilities. After reviewing the governor’s proposal, it’s good to see funding to expedite 630 children with disabilities from waiting lists into direct services, but we have to do more to help this community. It’s our responsibility to look out for our neighbors because they are worth the investment and deserve to live with dignity.

“In the coming months, budget negotiations will continue and I will work to fight for the priorities of residents in our community.”

RANTOUL – To give residents a chance to receive direct assistance and have their voices heard, State Senator Paul Faraci has teamed up with Congresswoman Robin Kelly to host mobile office hours on Feb. 22 in Rantoul.

“As state senator, I want to ensure my office and I are made accessible and available for residents,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We are here to help with local issues, share state resources and more. Great legislative ideas have come from residents. I hope you take advantage and bring your voice to the table.”

The free event is an opportunity for residents to get help from both offices, such as assistance with state and federal resources. Coffee will be provided for attendees.

The mobile office hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 1-4 p.m. at the Rantoul Business Center, located at 601 S. Century Blvd. in Rantoul.

For more information or any questions, call Faraci’s Champaign office at (217) 355-5252.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is leading a measure to give veterans and first responders access to mental health providers of their choice.

“We have to give veterans and first responders proper access to their preferred mental health services,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Right now, we have police and firefighters who can’t receive mental health services from trained professionals of their choice and we need to change that.”

The legislation is in response to a situation in Champaign where several firefighters were unable to engage the mental health counselor of their choice based on a non-compete clause in the counselor’s contract. When a mental health professional leaves their employment with a provider, often times there is a non-compete clause in their contract, leaving them unable to provide services within a 50-mile radius for two years. In the 52nd District, a non-compete clause would not only prevent a mental health counselor from providing services in Champaign, but it would also stop them from providing services in surrounding communities, including Urbana, Rantoul and Danville. Police, fire and veteran organizations often want to contract mental health professionals that have a shared background or an establishment of trust with the organization, making these non-compete clauses detrimental to mental health care access for first responders and veterans.

CHAMPAIGN – In partnership with CU Schools Foundation, State Senator Paul Faraci is hosting an essential items drive to support local students and Champaign and Urbana public schools.

“CU Schools Foundation provides an amazing opportunity for the community to donate essential items like shoes, clothes, and backpacks,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “All of the items donated go to students in need, free of charge.”

Community members who wish to participate can view the list of items in need by visiting SenatorFaraci.com/Students.

The essential items drive will run from Tuesday, Jan. 30 through Friday, March 1. This is a great opportunity to provide direct support to local students without having to jump through any hoops.

"We created Operation Caring Closets to encourage our community to help support students with basic needs, so they can continue to come to school and learn alongside their peers,” said Kelly Hill, Executive Director for the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation.  "We appreciate Senator Faraci stepping up and helping us to get the word out about this simple opportunity to provide a hand up to our students in need."

For more information or any questions, call Faraci’s Champaign office at (217) 355-5252.