Chambana Sun

Illinois Sen. Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) shared his thoughts on the 2023-24 state budget in a recent Facebook post, emphasizing the importance of balance, support for the local economy and funding for those in need. 

Faraci, who was appointed to represent the 52nd District, brings the benefit of experience as a small business owner, senior account manager for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and former senior advisor to State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, his biography said.

In a news release linked to his Facebook post, Faraci highlighted the budget's emphasis on providing job training and increasing access to higher education. 

"Providing students with job training and higher education access drives our economy forward," Faraci said. "This budget further invests in developing those opportunities by providing increased funding for needs-based tuition assistance and specialized development programs to build the workforce pipeline and increase enrollment at our community colleges and universities."

Faraci also drew attention to the longstanding challenges faced by families and loved ones of children with disabilities. 

“For far too long, families and loved ones of children with disabilities struggle to secure the essential services and support," Faraci said. "This year’s budget will provide almost $2 billion for services for people living with disabilities and their families. This is a step in the right direction – however, we must continue to fight to ensure these children and their families do not have to wait years to receive lifesaving care.”

Despite missing a self-imposed May 19 deadline to present the budget document, Senate Democrats reached an agreement on May 24, as reported by WAND-TV. The document was to make its way through the legislative process and arrive at Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk for final approval. WAND-TV reported the budget was passed by Senate Democrats on May 25 and then went on to the House of Representatives for further discussion and passage. The involvement of Republican legislators in the budget negotiation process was appreciated, highlighting a collaborative effort across party lines.

Pritzker also expressed his support for the budget in a statement quoted by ABC7: "This budget makes transformative investments in the children and families of Illinois while building on our record of fiscal responsibility. I look forward to the House taking up this budget that will make child care and education more accessible, health care more affordable and our state's business and economic position even stronger."

In other news from elected representatives, the 2023 Outside Kid's Fair, as detailed in a Facebook post from Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva), is set to take place at Chapelstreet Church, 3435 Keslinger Road in Geneva, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 24. 

The event offers a bounty of family friendly activities, including demonstrations by the Kane County Sheriff's K9 unit, a bicycle drawing and performances by the DancEncounter School of Dance, and a variety of participants like World Martial Arts Academy and Juice Plus. Attendees also will find information booths, face painting and Touch a Truck opportunities featuring medical helicopters, fire and police vehicles, and heavy equipment like snowplows and dump trucks.

To learn more, contact Ugaste's office via email at iugaste@ilhousegop.org or by phone at 630-797-5530. Ugaste, who has served in the Illinois General Assembly since January 2019, represents the 65th District. A lifelong Illinois resident, Ugaste is a 25-year employee and shareholder at Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie and Lowry in Chicago.