Koehler initiative calls for study to improve brain injury care in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Dave Koehler led a resolution to urge the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to assess the state’s capacity to provide comprehensive care for individuals with brain injuries.

“This resolution seeks a thorough evaluation of our state’s resources and needs,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “It’s time we ensure Illinois residents receive the care they deserve, right here at home, without unnecessary costs associated with out-of-state care.”

Senate Joint Resolution 30 calls for an in-depth study of Illinois’ current care system for brain injury rehabilitation. Currently, Illinois Medicaid funds out-of-state specialized rehabilitation services—even though comparable services can be provided by in-state providers such as Sevita’s NeuroRestorative program, which operates in Bloomington, Carbondale and the Chicago area.

NeuroRestorative offers services that help individuals avoid institutionalization, leading to better outcomes and lower costs for the state. Yet, Illinois Medicaid has struggled to fund such specialized in-state programs due to reimbursement limitations, forcing individuals to seek care out-of-state.

SJR 30 was adopted by the Senate.

Koehler leads proposal to boost Illinois’ small and mid-size manufacturers

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Dave Koehler has led a resolution urging Illinois’ small and mid-size manufacturing industries to establish a task force to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and growth.

“Manufacturers are essential to our economy and job creation across Illinois,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “By forming this industry-led task force, we give businesses the opportunity to shape solutions that directly address their needs, boosting their ability to thrive and expand.”

The resolution, initiated by the Technology & Manufacturing Association, seeks to empower manufacturers to identify regulatory barriers and propose legislative solutions. The TMA previously advocated for reducing regulatory burdens but highlighted challenges in pinpointing specific regulations hindering industry growth.

The proposed task force will develop clear, actionable recommendations to boost the growth and sustainability of Illinois’ manufacturing sector. Notably, the resolution heightens industry expertise and does not mandate legislative participation, making certain recommendations come directly from manufacturing leaders.

“It’s crucial that policy decisions affecting our businesses are informed by those who understand the day-to-day impacts,” Koehler added. “This resolution will facilitate meaningful collaboration between the industry and policymakers.”

SJR 31 has been adopted by the Senate.

Koehler encourages Illinois youth to pursue careers in manufacturing

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler led a resolution to inspire young people to explore rewarding careers in small and mid-size manufacturing businesses.

“Small and mid-size manufacturers play a major role in creating jobs, fueling innovation and driving our economy forward,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Encouraging our youth to consider careers in this vital industry ensures these businesses can continue to grow.”

Senate Joint Resolution 16 highlights the critical role of small and mid-size manufacturing enterprises in Illinois’ economy. Globally, mall and mid-size manufacturing enterprises represent 40% to 80%of total manufacturing employment. These businesses are economic engines in Illinois, providing essential job opportunities and contributing to our economic growth.

The resolution calls attention to the importance of building a strong workforce pipeline by introducing young people to the possibilities and benefits of a career in manufacturing. By encouraging students to enter this sector, Illinois can address potential workforce shortages and help guarantee the longevity and success of these essential businesses no matter the county.

“We want Illinois youth to see the manufacturing sector as an exciting and viable path for their futures,” Koehler said. “Supporting these businesses today means guarantying a strong economy for Illinois future.”

SJR 16 has been adopted by the Senate Friday.

Koehler advances legislation protecting local pharmacy access

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is championing two significant pharmacy bills aimed at protecting patient access to pharmacies and health care services by hospitals engaged in the federal 340B program.

“Our local hospitals and federal qualified health centers need this program to be able to provide healthcare services for the poor and uninsured. The corrections we have made in how this program works will make a difference to struggling communities throughout the state,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This will cover the expenses that otherwise would be passed on to patients who have insurance.”

House Bill 2371 would establish the patient access to Pharmacy Protection Act, which would prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from imposing restrictive conditions on hospitals and pharmacies under the federal 340B program. The measure would prohibit manufacturers from limiting the number of pharmacies a hospital can use. The bill would further require hospitals to report on an annual basis the use of those funds for charity care, thus providing transparency for the program.

House Bill 1697, the Prescription Drug Affordability Act, targets pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), entities that manage prescription drug benefits for insurers. This bill would end harmful practices, such as “spread pricing,” where pharmacy benefit managers profit by charging insurers significantly more than what pharmacies receive. It also would restrict PBMs from profiting from the sale of drugs to pharmacies, and would require them to return 100% of pharmacy rebates back to the individuals or sponsoring organizations. It will also prevent pharmacy benefit managers from unfairly steering patients toward particular pharmacies and stops PBMs from limiting an individual’s access to a drug from a pharmacy by classifying it as a “specialty drug.”

“Our local pharmacies are vital to communities across Illinois, especially in smaller towns and underserved areas,” Koehler said. “Getting this bill approved means that pharmacy benefit managers who act as the middleman in the prescription drug industry will no longer have a strangle hold on consumers and neighborhood pharmacies,”

Both House Bill 2371 and House Bill 1697 passed the Senate Thursday.