THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS FROM STATE SENATOR PAUL FARACI’S OFFICE
“The FY26 budget delivers strong investments in education, public safety and economic development. Across Illinois, we’re securing key wins for our students, parents and educators. The budget includes significant after-school program funding to support safe, enriching environments for our kids beyond the classroom. It also provides $5 million for teaching mentorship initiatives to support and retain high-quality educators, along with $30 million dedicated to addressing teacher vacancies across the state.
“Early childhood education is also seeing meaningful gains with the creation of the Department of Early Childhood, an agency that will expand access and improve quality of education for our youngest learners. Locally, we’re securing millions for violence prevention efforts, critical support for the Prairie Research Institute to protect the Mahomet Aquifer, crucial resources for fire services across the district and infrastructure improvements for youth programs like DREAAM, who help young men and boys heal from generations of trauma and poverty.
“The budget also strengthens our commitment to environmental protection and agricultural sustainability. Increased support for efforts to monitor and manage invasive species helps safeguard local ecosystems and natural resources. Additional investments in agricultural oversight also help reflect our balanced approach to respecting rural economies and residents’ rights to clean, safe environments alike.
“We’re also seeing much-needed funding for our local colleges, including an increase to MAP funding and allocations for Common App to make applying for and attending undergraduate programs easier. Important investments for the University of Illinois, especially in fields like quantum science, will help keep our state at the forefront of technological innovation. This budget is a strong step forward for working Illinoisans and families, even if, like normal, there’s more work to be done.”
