SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler led a measure through the Senate that would create requirements for geographical, racial and ethnic diversity for any new task force, blue ribbon panel, commission or organization on education.

“Chicago and its neighboring communities don’t understand the issues rural school districts face, so why aren’t they properly represented in these group panels?” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “This initiative gives accurate representation to all schools affected by education group panels, so that we can address every need our schools have.”

BLOOMINGTON – State Senator Dave Koehler stood alongside school faculty and community leaders at Heartland Community College Tuesday to discuss proposed investments to higher education.

“Increased investments toward our community colleges give Illinoisans the opportunity to pursue their education here, making it possible for residents to receive their degree and find high paying jobs in central Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By making college more affordable, Illinois is painting a brighter future for our future workforce.” 

The governor’s introduced budget proposes an additional $100 million investment toward Monetary Award Program grants, as well as an additional $20 million investment toward community colleges throughout the state. Heartland Community College is home to over 13,000 students, with one out of every five receiving a MAP grant. With this increase and the additional availability of Pell Grants and scholarships, virtually all community college students at or below the median income level could go to community college free-of-charge.

SPRINGFIELD – A new measure created by State Senator Dave Koehler would create the Rural Education Advisory Council.

“This legislation promotes local discussion to address the needs of our schools,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “Giving more local control to the decisions made in and out of the classroom promote a productive environment for our teachers and students.”

The Rural Education Advisory Council would create the opportunity for rural districts to discuss the specific needs and challenges they face within their schools. The council would then give feedback on critical issues facing rural communities and generate improvement ideas to the State Superintendent and the Illinois State Board of Education.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler joined local leaders along with the Illinois Department of Transportation Tuesday to announce $24.6 million in improvements to Peoria’s Bob Michel Bridge through the Rebuild Illinois project.

The project includes installing new concrete and bridge joints to extend the life of the deck. The improvements will expand walkways and convert the five foot sidewalks into a 14 – foot path that is accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists in the community.

“These improvements to our bridge is vital for workers and residents throughout our community,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “Residents of the greater Peoria area deserve safe transportation and high quality roads. These repairs provide opportunities for new jobs, economic development, and a brighter future for our community.”

PEORIA – The Illinois Army and National Guard had their mobilization ceremony for 160 National Guardsmen Tuesday. State Senator Dave Koehler commends their sacrifice.

“I am thankful to have such brave men and women in our community protecting our nation’s interests overseas,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “These airmen and women will be guiding our forces from above. I wish them a safe and successful deployment.”

More than 100 members of the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion of the 106th Aviation Regiment, as well as 30 members from the Company B. 935th Aviation Support Battalion from Kankakee will deploy to the U.S. Central Command region. Soldiers will spend their time providing air support to United States forces throughout the Middle East.

These men and women will be deployed overseas to help conduct operations with national interest.

PEORIA – With the support of State Senator Dave Koehler, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District – known as CityLink – will receive $5.3 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“Necessary infrastructure improvements like these are vital for our community’s well-being,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “These investments provide a higher quality of life for residents in our community, as well as safe and efficient transportation throughout the Peoria area.” 

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced Tuesday that older adults in Peoria will soon benefit from the newly-launched Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which will expand options for community-based care and allow eligible seniors to continue living safely at home.

“PACE will create for Illinois seniors a holistic and locally-based option that provides quality, integrated care,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The option to continue living safely in the community will greatly enhance the quality of life for Illinois seniors who enroll in the program.”

PEORIA – Thanks to State Senator Dave Koehler and other members of the General Assembly, Illinoisans who purchase electric vehicles will now be eligible to apply for a rebate.

“If it’s our goal to increase the accessibility and use of electric vehicles across the board, we have to make sure we’re including everyone in the conversation,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By offering the same incentives for electric motorcycles that we do for other electric vehicles, we’re encouraging sustainability to an even greater population.”

The rebate program was created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passed by the General Assembly and signed into law in the fall of 2021. Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund has nearly $18 million allocated for rebates, and Illinois residents who purchase an all-electric vehicle on or after July 1, 2022, are now eligible to apply for a rebate of $4,000 each. To be eligible for a rebate, the vehicle must be exclusively powered and refueled by electricity, plugged in to charge, and licensed to drive on public roadways.