Koehler law to revitalize Peoria neighborhoods

• Peoria
• Community investment

SPRINGFIELD – Peoria residents and landlords will have a new tax incentive available to upgrade their properties, thanks to a new law passed by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Every resident should feel a sense of pride in their home and community,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This is a revitalization effort our community has wanted for a long time. We need to take the first step in building a better future for the greater Peoria area.”

Previously, only newly built single family homes and duplexes qualified for a tax break. Koehler’s new law extends this tax break to remodeled homes and duplexes in areas of urban decay, giving landlords and homeowners an incentive to upgrade their properties and revitalize neighborhoods.

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Koehler: Local schools to receive nearly $8 million in evidence-based funding

• Evidence-Based Funding
• Investing in schools
• Education

PEORIA – Following financial challenges in recent years, State Senator Dave Koehler announced that 18 school districts across the area will receive nearly $8 million in additional funding to make needed improvements to classrooms and schools.

“Without proper investment in schools, from poor wages for teachers, a lack of modern technology or textbooks, and access to basic supplies like notebooks and pens, students aren’t able to learn to the best of their ability,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Investing properly in our schools is necessary to set all Illinoisans up for success in their future, and I am proud that the evidence-based funding model has continued to take steps to more equitable outcomes in education.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

Local schools set to receive funding through the formula include:

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Koehler’s battery recycling plan becomes law

• SB 3686
• Recycling Batteries
• Batteries

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will soon have more options when it comes to recycling batteries under a new law led by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“As the world relies more on technology, we need to take proactive steps to ensure we are responsibly disposing the harmful chemicals contained in batteries,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law ensures Illinois stays one step ahead when it comes to technology and reducing waste.”

Businesses that sell or distribute batteries will be required to develop a recycling stewardship program under the new law. Sellers and distributors would need to have a small- to medium-sized battery recycling program in place by 2026. Medium-sized batteries include batteries made for electric bikes and scooters. By 2029, businesses must include appropriate labeling for all batteries to ensure proper collection and recycling.

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More Illinois-grown food coming to stores thanks to Koehler law

• SB 3077
• Local Food
• Agriculture

SPRINGFIELD – A majority of food on grocery store shelves is purchased out of state, which has led State Senator Dave Koehler to pass a law to make Illinois food more readily available on local store shelves.

“Our farmers play a significant role in our economy, and we should make every effort to have their produce in stores across our communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law supports our family farmers and gives residents access to fresh local produce.”

Koehler’s law directs the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.

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