Koehler works to establish Freedom Trails Commission

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading an initiative to establish the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission to preserve Illinois' history and honor the legacy of freedom seekers.

“This is an opportunity to recognize the courage of those who sought freedom and to educate future generations about Illinois’ role in the Underground Railroad,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By identifying and preserving these historic sites, we can ensure their stories are never forgotten.”

Senate Bill 1607 would create the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission, which would be tasked with researching, commemorating and promoting sites significant to the journey of freedom seekers in Illinois. The commission would work to establish educational initiatives, preserve historical landmarks, and administer grants to support these efforts.

Under this legislation, the commission would also be required to submit an annual report to the governor and the General Assembly detailing its findings and recommendations for further preservation and education efforts.

“By investing in our history, we are investing in our future,” said Koehler. “The stories of those who traveled through Illinois in search of freedom deserve to be told, and this commission will work towards making sure that happens.”

Senate Bill 1607 passed Senate State Government Committee Thursday.

Koehler fights for funding for Bloomington-Normal, Peoria education and workforce

SPRINGFEILD- State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) released the following statement after the governor outlined his proposal for Fiscal Year 2026:

“As we navigate a challenging budget landscape, it's imperative that we prioritize our investments to serve the most pressing needs of our communities.

“We must focus on areas that will have the most significant impact, such as our schools and universities, and we must support our workforce and job training programs. At the same time, we need to ensure access to affordable health care, invest in infrastructure improvements, and expand resources for public safety and mental health services. By making strategic decisions, we can uphold our commitment to fiscal responsibility while creating growth and stability in Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, and beyond.”

Koehler sworn in to seventh term in state Senate

• Inauguration

SPRINGFIELD – Advocating for environmental protections, protecting family farms, supporting working families and strengthening organized labor are major priorities for State Senator Dave Koehler, who was sworn in to his seventh term Wednesday.

“I am humbled to represent the people of the greater Peoria and Bloomington-Normal areas, and I do not take the trust and responsibility of this position lightly,” said Koehler. “I will continue to work to earn their trust and fight for the needs of the community.”

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Koehler announces $1.2 million in grants for local parks

• Peoria
• Grant
• Bloomington
• Local Parks
• Parks

PEORIA – The City of Bloomington and Pleasure Driveway Park in Peoria both received a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue its ongoing improvements to Recreation Park, thanks to strong support from State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Parks are essential for our physical and mental health, providing open space for us to connect with each other and enjoy Illinois’ natural beauty,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This funding will help maintain our community’s wonderful parks —bringing people together for years to come.”

For the third year in a row, Koehler supported funding for economically distressed communities, resulting in 29 underserved locations receiving $17.3 million in grants from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, program.

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