Koehler saves Peoria area construction projects

• Budget

SPRINGFIELD – Local at-risk construction jobs and projects in the Peoria area are set to receive nearly $5 million in state funding.

The legislation comes as the Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced it would be forced to cease all road construction due to the lack of state funding.

“Maintaining Illinois Infrastructure is vital to the people and the economy of Illinois” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria).  “We voted to keep our road crews on the job and to keep drivers safe on Illinois roads.” 

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Peoria, Central Illinois schools big winners in Senate education plan

PEORIA – Area schools stand to gain more than $15 million in state funding under a plan being assembled in the Illinois Senate for a vote on Wednesday.

Peoria School District 150 would see the biggest gains with a more than $10 million increase in state support. But all other area schools also see gains.

“All local school districts win under this plan,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). “We created a clean education bill that the governor could support. Last year, he signed an education budget so I am hopeful he will stand with us to keep schools open.”

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Koehler to host financial and retirement planning roundtable in Pekin

PEKIN – State Senator Dave Koehler will be hosting a financial planning and literacy roundtable for residents entering the golden years at the Pekin Public Library on Wed., June 15.

Representatives from the Treasurer's Office, Attorney General's Office, Prairie State Legal Services and more will offer information about reverse mortgages, homestead freezes, wills, power of attorney, financial planning and planning for retirement.

Doors open: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Panel discussion: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
When: Wednesday, June 15
Where: Pekin Public Library, 301 S. 4th St., Pekin, IL 61554

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Farmington students push lawmakers to improve education funding

SPRINGFIELD — Amid growing uncertainty about the future of education funding in Illinois, a groups of Farmington students recently traveled to the Capitol to lend their voice to the effort to overhaul how the state funds public schools.

“We are Illinois’ future. You should give us all a fair chance,” said Michael Morrison, 14, who will be a freshman at Farmington High School in the fall.

Morrison was among the students, teachers and administrators who observed proceedings and met with their local lawmakers during the last scheduled day of the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session. Lawmakers later adjourned without sending a final education budget to the governor.

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