New law requires schools to prepare for student asthma attacks

• HB 6333
• asthma

SPRINGFIELD — Schools will need to take steps to have clear plans ready in the event a student suffers a severe asthma attack under a new law sponsored by State Sen. Dave Koehler.

“It’s our job to always be seeking ways to make our schools and our students safer,” said Koehler, D-Peoria. “Just like regular fire drills and staff training in emergency defibrillators, having these plans in place means our faculty won’t be caught flat-footed during a health crisis.”

Signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner earlier today, the legislation requires schools to request an asthma action plan each year from parents or guardians of a pupil with asthma. The Illinois State Board of Education will also be required to develop an emergency response protocol model for asthma episodes by Sept. 1. School districts will need to adopt their response protocols by Jan. 1. School personnel who work with pupils will need to complete a training program on asthma every two years.

The legislation was House Bill 6333.

State's first Gold Star Families Memorial plaque unveiled in Peoria Heights

• Gold Star Families
• Peoria Heights

The very first Gold Star Memorial in honor of the families of veterans killed in action was unveiled this past Saturday in Peoria Heights. Senator Koehler attended the unveiling. More such memorial plaques will be unveiled throughout Illinois.

Koehler helps Pekin residents plan for retirement

PEKIN – As Illinoisans age, they increasingly become vulnerable to identity theft, equity scams, fraud and financial money pits. State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) hosted a retirement and financial planning event to prevent families from facing difficulties over time.

To learn more about how you can protect yourself or a loved one from financial fraud, please watch the following presentations here.

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Koehler saves Peoria area construction projects

• Budget

SPRINGFIELD – Local at-risk construction jobs and projects in the Peoria area are set to receive nearly $5 million in state funding.

The legislation comes as the Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced it would be forced to cease all road construction due to the lack of state funding.

“Maintaining Illinois Infrastructure is vital to the people and the economy of Illinois” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria).  “We voted to keep our road crews on the job and to keep drivers safe on Illinois roads.” 

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