Koehler: Utility bill assistance opens Oct. 2

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“As utility costs continue to rise, it’s important for people to be aware of the cost saving resources the state has to offer,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “People need to be able to heat their homes as we approach winter. I encourage families to take advantage of this program that will cut down their energy bills.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

Beginning Oct. 2, eligible families can apply to this year’s program by visiting HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the state can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.

All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP.

Koehler announces nearly $250,000 grant coming to Peoria hospital

PEORIA – To improve statewide pediatric emergency and disaster readiness capabilities, State Senator Dave Koehler announced a $249,000 grant was awarded to OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. 

“Investing in our health care system is important for patients’ outcomes, whether it be for children’s routine care or pediatric emergency care,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Peoria’s location plays a vital role in Central Illinois with rural and urban communities. I look forward to expanding the resources and care OSF Children’s Hospital has to offer.”

Administered through the Illinois Department of Public Health, OSF Children’s Hospital received a $249,000 grant to conduct assessments of disaster plans at more than 30 Illinois hospitals, focusing on the inclusion of pediatric components to those plans. The hospital will develop resources and educational materials as well as share best practices that can be used to address identified gaps and disparities in that care.

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Koehler supports $270 million investment in Peoria infrastructure

PEORIA – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments that are possible due to strong support from State Senator Dave Koehler, multiple projects in the Peoria area are complete, planned or underway. 

“We continue to see the much-needed improvements the historic Rebuild Illinois program delivers, promoting economic development and creating jobs right here in our neighborhoods,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Our commitment to invest in everyday infrastructure continues to better the lives of residents across the state. Peoria drivers deserve safe, reliable roads and that’s what they will see with these strong investments.”

The Rebuild Illinois program invests over $33 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system. Eight major projects in the Peoria area received over $270 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region. Of the eight major projects, six are scheduled to be completed this year, with the remaining two in the fall of 2024.

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Koehler secures $670,000 for local restaurants

• Back to Business

PEORIA – With strong support from State Senator Dave Koehler, a total of $670,000 was awarded to 17 businesses in the Peoria and Bloomington areas in an effort to uplift and support the restaurant industry. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Throughout the pandemic, restaurants struggled to keep their doors open. We made a commitment to invest and uplift the small businesses that provide essential jobs and boost our local economies.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has provided over $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

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