Bartonville, Peoria libraries receive grants to help at-risk youth

PEORIA – Alpha Park Public Library District and Peoria Public Libraries are receiving grants from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to help mentors connect with at-risk youth in the community.

Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) represents to the two cities and says it’s important to connect children with services early on to better serve them.

“Giving at-risk kids the opportunity to learn valuable skills in a safe environment can only serve to improve our communities,” Koehler said. “I want to thank Jesse White for seeing the potential in the Bartonville and Peoria communities when awarding this grant.”

According to the Secretary of State’s office, Project Next Generation offers grant funding to public libraries for establishing educational, after-school programs that not only provide access to computers, software and various technology devices, but also hire mentors who are crucial to helping students develop self-confidence and pride in their newly acquired skills.

In all, the Secretary of State awarded more than $464,000 in Project Next Generation grants statewide. The money is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Grants are awarded to public libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations.

Route 24 expansion improvements, Murray Baker bridge rehab included in capital infrastructure plan

PEORIA – Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) joined House Deputy Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth and Gov. JB Pritzker to tout Peoria area projects included in the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan passed by the General Assembly this spring.

“One of the biggest complaints I hear about from my constituents is the condition of our roads,” Koehler said. “This plan will change that.”

The $45 billion plan includes several projects specific to the Peoria area, including:

• $114 million for Phase I of a Route 24 expansion, expanding the highway to four lanes and replacing bridges between Kingston Mines and Banner
• $48.6 million for road resurfacing and major bridge work for I-474
• $41.9 million for road resurfacing and bridge work on I-74 between Peoria and Brimfield
• $39.9 million for the Cedar Street bridge extension
• $35 million for the Murray Baker bridge rehabilitation
• $18.7 million to replace the Harmon Highway bridge over Kickapoo Creek

In addition to the transportation projects, other projects being funded include:

• $5.2 million for renovations and improvements at Illinois Central College
• $1 million for renovations to Garfield Primary School
• $500,000 for repairs to the Fulton County Jail and Courthouse

Koehler: Sheriff’s Deputy will forever be remembered

PEORIA – Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issues the following statement after the death of Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy Troy Chisum:

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy Troy Chisum. Deputy Chisum’s dedication to his duty and to his profession will forever be remembered by his family, friends and the community. I’d like to extend my personal condolences and that of my fellow Senators to Deputy Chisum’s family, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and the entire Fulton County community.”

Koehler passes measure to protect people with food allergies eating at restaurants

SPRINGFIELD – People who fear having an allergic reaction when they dine out at restaurants will have an avenue to help remind restaurant staff of potential allergic reactions thanks to legislation that passed the Illinois Senate today.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) sponsored House Bill 3018 in large part because of an allergic reaction he himself had recently.

“As someone with a food allergy, I understand the care that goes into watching not only what you eat but what your food is prepared with,” Koehler said. “I’m hoping this legislation can help people, especially parents, have a sense of ease when going out to eat at a local restaurant.”

Under HB 3018, restaurants would be required to post a sign in clear view of customers reminding them to tell restaurant staff of any food allergies. The employee who was told of the allergy would then alert their supervisor or certified food protection manager on duty of the allergy.

It is estimated that 32 million people have a food allergy of some kind, including 5.6 million people under the age of 18. Of those children with food allergies, it is reported that 40% are allergic to more than one food.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that the prevalence of food allergies among children increased by 50% between 1997 and 2011. Additionally, the prevalence of nut allergies among children tripled between 1997 and 2008.

The legislation passed the Senate and House and now goes to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.