Koehler: This isn't about special interests; this is about the state of Illinois

• Budget

"This isn't about special interests anymore; this is about the state of Illinois." -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD - Members of the General Assembly gathered to hear the governor’s annual budget address today. The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature every fiscal year.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:

"What I heard today was bits and pieces of a budget. I am interested in seeing the whole thing. What is clear is we need a budget now. This isn't about special interests anymore; this is about the state of Illinois."

Illinois has been stuck in a two-year political stalemate, causing chaos among social service providers, universities and community colleges.

Senator Koehler's thoughts on the grand bargain votes

• Budget

"I will not stop fighting to find a reasonable and pragmatic solution that digs Illinois out of the current hole it is in." -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement regarding the "Grand Bargain" votes:

"The Illinois Senate began voting on parts of the grand bargain package that President Cullerton and Minority Leader Radogno have spent countless hours working on. Despite his public claims that he is for the legislation, it is becoming increasingly clear the governor does not approve of the Senate’s plan to end two years of political deadlock. Unfortunately, it appears that our Republican colleagues are not ready to vote to end this historic impasse."

"I am greatly disappointed that we were unable to secure bipartisan votes for pieces of legislation that Republican members openly stated on the floor that they were in favor of. The point of compromise is to come together and identify a solution that has a little bit for everyone. This package of legislation does exactly that."

"While the future of this grand bargain package is unknown at the present, I will not stop fighting to find a reasonable and pragmatic solution that digs Illinois out of the current hole it is in."

Koehler offers condolences to family of Navy SEAL killed in Yemen

• Gold Star Families

“The thoughts and prayers of my family, the Illinois Senate and a grateful nation are with the family of SOC Owens and all Gold Star families whose loved ones have given their last full measure of devotion to their country.” -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler extends his condolences to the family and friends of Peoria native William “Ryan” Owens, a U.S. Navy SEAL and chief special warfare operator, who was killed during a raid in Yemen on Saturday.

“I wish to express my heartfelt sorrow at the death of Ryan Owens,” Koehler said. “The thoughts and prayers of my family, the Illinois Senate and a grateful nation are with the family of SOC Owens and all Gold Star families whose loved ones have given their last full measure of devotion to their country.”

Owens died of wounds suffered in a raid against Al-Qaeda operatives in Yemen. Owens was a decorated member of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs, having earned two Bronze Stars with a combat “V” device, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and two Joint Service Commendation medals with a combat “V” device.

Koehler responds to the governor's address

"My number one goal has always been to pass a balanced budget to better the future for all Illinoisans." -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement after the governor's budget address:

"The Governor's remarks today were notably more upbeat, but still filled with his usual themes. The difference is that now the Senate has the bipartisan 'Grand Bargain Package' which President Cullerton, Leader Radogno and the rest of the Illinois Senate have been working on to end the budget impasse."

"I hope that everyone understands that I am not at all happy with everything in this deal. However, my number one goal has always been to pass a balanced budget to better the future for all Illinoisans. I have been listening to everyone’s calls, letters and emails and continue to urge everyone to make their voices heard. Please understand we need a budget."