Koehler’s law creates the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s law establishing the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission to preserve and promote the state’s Underground Railroad history is now on the books.

“This law is a meaningful step toward recognizing and commemorating the powerful stories of courage and resilience that shaped Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Establishing this commission allows us to honor our state’s role in the Underground Railroad by preserving historic sites and educating future generations.”

Senate Bill 1607 creates the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission, which will identify, preserve and promote historic sites linked to the Underground Railroad across Illinois. The commission also supports educational initiatives and plans to provide grants to maintain important landmarks. Additionally, the commission has to report annually to the governor and General Assembly, to provide recommendations for ongoing preservation and education efforts

“By actively preserving these sites, we’re not just protecting physical landmarks—we’re keeping vital stories of freedom and perseverance alive,” Koehler said. “This commission not only perseveres the past but helps show Illinois is – and has always been – a safe haven for those under oppression.”

Senate Bill 1607 was signed Friday and takes effect immediately.

Koehler announces $150,000 tourism grant for Bloomington-Normal’s Route 66 destination

BLOOMINGTON – State Senator Dave Koehler helped secure $150,000 in grants for tourism at Sprague’s Super Service, an important historical site along Route 66 in Normal.

“Revitalizing historic landmarks along Route 66 draws visitors, gets more eyes on our community, and boosts our regional economy,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “This investment at Sprague’s Super Service helps preserve Bloomington-Normal’s heritage while enriching experiences for both visitors and community members.”

The grants were administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and a total of $6.3 million was awarded to 36 grantees through the Route 66 Grant Program, the Tourism Attractions Grant Program, and the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program.

The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the Town of Normal, will use the grant to install two functioning garage doors at the historic Sprague’s Super Service site, restoring it closer to its original appearance. Additionally, the grant will fund the construction of a new concrete outdoor space behind the property, providing a community area for future events and celebrations related to the upcoming Route 66 Centennial.

“Opportunities like this allow our communities to connect the past with the present,” Koehler added. “I’m proud to see Illinois continue to invest in preserving history and promoting local tourism.”

A full list of awardees can be found here.

Koehler delivers over $450,000 to revitalize local libraries across Central Illinois

PEORIA – Recognizing the essential role libraries play as community gathering spaces and centers for lifelong learning, State Senator Dave Koehler secured more than $450,000 in state grant funding for nine Central Illinois libraries.

“Libraries are more than just shelves filled with books—they’re gateways to opportunity, innovation and community connection,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “These grants will empower our libraries to allow better offerings, providing improved resources and services for residents living within Peoria and Bloomington-Normal.”

Funded through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, nearly $18 million was awarded statewide to support library improvements, technology upgrades, online resources, and public programming.

The following libraries in Koehler’s district will receive grants:

• Alpha Park Public Library District (Bartonville): $35,985
• Bloomington Public Library: $116,053
• Golden Prairie Public Library District (Bloomington): $12,171
• Carlock Public Library District: $4,274
• Deer Creek District Library: $2,339
• Fondulac Public Library District (East Peoria): $29,907
• Normal Public Library: $77,785
• Peoria Public Library: $166,896
• Peoria Heights Public Library: $8,714

“With this funding, local libraries can continue to grow as vibrant hubs of education, technology and community life,” Koehler said. “These funds enable libraries to provide high-quality services and expand their capacity to meet the evolving needs of local families.”

More information on available library grants can be found here.

Koehler law reforms pharmacy benefit manager practices

PEORIA—State Senator Dave Koehler led a new law to end unfair practices by pharmacy benefit managers, in turn protecting local pharmacies and consumers.

"Pharmacy benefit managers have too often prioritized profits at the expense of patients and local pharmacies," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "This new law allows transparency and fairness, keeping health care services affordable and accessible for Illinois families."

House Bill 1697, the Prescription Drug Affordability Act, targets pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), entities that manage prescription drug benefits for insurers. This law will end harmful practices, such as “spread pricing,” where pharmacy benefit managers profit by charging insurers significantly more than what pharmacies receive. It also will 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. Further, it prevents 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.”

"Local pharmacies serve as trusted health care resources, particularly in underserved and rural communities," Koehler said. "This law protects consumers and community pharmacies from PBM harmful practices and prevents pharmacy deserts across Illinois."

House Bill 1697 was signed into law Tuesday.