Koehler champions bill supporting student leaders in higher education

SPRINGFIELD – To support students serving in critical leadership roles within Illinois' higher education system, State Senator Dave Koehler has introduced Senate Bill 1475, which would provide scholarship assistance to student members of the state's higher education boards.

"Student voices are essential in shaping Illinois' higher education policies, yet serving on these boards requires significant commitment," Koehler said. “Offering scholarship assistance recognizes their contributions and helps ease these students' financial burdens."

Under Senate Bill 1475, student members serving on the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board would receive a $500 scholarship for each semester they are enrolled and actively serving.

Currently, student board members receive no compensation other than reimbursement for travel and related expenses. This legislation aims to acknowledge their commitment and support their educational pursuits.

The Board of Higher Education includes two student members, one of whom represents non-traditional undergraduate students—typically those who are older, employed or parents—ensuring diverse student perspectives are included. The Illinois Community College Board features a student representative who serves a one-year term and provides input reflecting community college student experiences.

"These students dedicate significant time and effort to advocate for their peers and improve higher education across Illinois," Koehler said. "This legislation is a step forward in ensuring their valuable contributions are recognized and supported."

Senate Bill 1475 passed the Senate Higher Education Committee Wednesday.

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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