Koehler announces grant for Peoria manufacturer through Made in Illinois program

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced Thursday that GEO. J. Rothan Co. in Peoria has been selected to receive state funding through the Made in Illinois Grant Program.

“Small manufacturers help keep our communities unique and vibrant,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This grant helps GEO. J. Rothan Co. continue their innovative work, keeping jobs local and strengthening our region.”

Made in Illinois Grant Program recipients were awarded matching grants of up to $50,000. The purpose of these grants is to help small and mid-sized manufacturers fund projects that promote innovation, enhance productivity and improve competitiveness. Statewide, the 2025 program awarded $1.35 million to 29 manufacturers, including GEO. J. Rothan Co., a small millwork company based in Peoria.

“These grants are about keeping skilled jobs right here in Peoria,” Koehler said. “By putting resources toward local businesses like GEO. J. Rothan Co., we support workers and contribute to the ongoing success of our local economy.”

Find a full list of grant recipients here.  

Koehler announces nearly one million dollars in grants for South Village Homes Project

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is happy to share that nearly $1 million in state grant funding will go to supporting the Central Illinois Community Development Corporation’s South Village Homes Project in Peoria.

“This is major funding for the future of Peoria’s South Village neighborhood,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “It’s about creating safe, affordable housing and revitalizing our community so families can thrive.”

The Central Illinois Community Development Corporation will receive $999,735.19 for the South Village Homes Project. The project is designed to expand the availability of quality, affordable housing, improve neighborhood stability and support community growth.

“These grants send a clear message that every neighborhood deserves the resources to build a stronger community,” Koehler said. “I will continue advocating for projects that improve quality of life and create lasting economic opportunities for Peoria residents.”

The grant is funded through state programs designed to support local development initiatives in historically disadvantaged and underserved communities. You can find a full list of grant recipients here.

Koehler looks forward to the continued support to health care in this year’s budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is happy to share the quality investments in community health care services as part of the state’s newly approved Fiscal Year 2026 budget. He emphasized crucial funding for federally qualified health centers, and charitable clinics throughout Illinois.

“This year’s budget demonstrates our commitment to providing all Illinois residents with high-quality access to health care,” Koehler (D-Peoria) stated. “Our Investment in community-based providers makes certain that essential healthcare services remain available and open for vulnerable residents both in the 46^th district and across the state.”

The budget allocates meaningful funding for federally qualified health centers (and safety net hospitals which will help reinforce their ability to serve uninsured and underinsured residents of Illinois. Additionally, free and charitable clinics will receive increased support, allowing them to continue providing essential care to patients who might otherwise lack access to necessary services.

In addition to those, Koehler successfully passed legislation addressing pharmacy benefit manager practices, safeguarding patient access to medications, and protecting pharmacies engaged in the federal 340B prescription drug program. The Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act and Prescription Drug Affordability Act passed this session, and are receiving funding through the governor’s budget.

“Health care should be accessible to all, and Illinois is taking the correct steps to make healthcare more affordable. These investments have the chance to help shape the health and well-being of families,” Koehler said. “By supporting critical access to places like safety-net hospitals, local clinics, and community pharmacies, we are one step closer to making sure that no resident of Illinois is left behind.”

The Fiscal Year 2026 budget passed the Senate Saturday.

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.