SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force had its first meeting where they selected State Senator Dave Koehler and State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin as co-chairs, and outlined its findings from the first meeting and goals for the coming months.

“This task force will bring a better understanding of how the Underground Railroad operated, as slaves escaped the south for freedom and a better life in Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By giving Illinoisans a clear understanding of the past, we are creating a greater future.”

The Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force was created through legislation championed by Koehler last year – Senate Bill 1623. The task force will create a statewide plan to connect existing local projects and new projects to create a cohesive statewide history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, while establishing new educational and tourism opportunities.

“The history of Underground Railroad is one of freedom, bravery and community. Because of its geographical location, Illinois has a robust history of sites, communities and individuals who helped on or used the Underground Railroad for a network of freedom,” said Jenn Edginton, interim director of the Illinois State Museum. “This task force will help explore more ways to bring this history to light.”

The task force – which held its first meeting Tuesday – is comprised of people from a number of organizations and agencies – like the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Following its introductory meeting, members of the task force held the press conference to highlight how it will determine historical sites, connections they have to one another, and create a picture to recognize the history of the Underground Railroad.

“It’s time we bring to light our history that led us to where we are today,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “Illinois played a crucial role in freeing slaves and we need to recognize the pioneers who fought for the rights of African Americans, giving them the freedom and justice they deserved.”

The task force will continue to meet throughout the next few months and will submit a report and recommendations to the General Assembly and governor by July 1.

CANTON – In response to recent coal plant closures around the state, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) held an Energy Summit to discuss the future of energy policy in Illinois with Senate colleagues Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) and stakeholders from Vistra Energy.

One proposal, which Koehler is sponsoring, would freeze property tax rates on coal, gas, and nuclear plants at pre-closure rates for a total of five years, ensuring local governments and school districts a consistent source of revenue in the short term. Additionally, it would provide an extra week of unemployment insurance benefits for those who are laid off from their job at a plant or mine.

“Taking care of local governments, school districts and individuals as we transition from coal to solar has to be our top priority,” Koehler said. “They are already facing intense challenges, and the lost revenue and higher taxes that would come without a tax freeze on the power plant property are the last things they should have to worry about.”

Another piece of legislation Koehler is supporting would see former coal plant sites transformed into renewable energy stations.

“Coal plant workers are confronting a difficult reality,” Koehler said. “Our region experienced a tremendous loss following the closing of the Duck Creek plant in Canton, but I am confident that by transitioning to renewable energy sources we can secure a viable economic future for our communities.”

These proposals will likely be a piece of a larger package of energy legislation that could be taken up as early as the fall veto session.

SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) honoring the 100 years of work done by Easterseals, America’s largest nonprofit health care organization, was adopted by the Illinois Senate today.

“The work in the community that Easterseals does is irreplaceable,” Koehler said. “This resolution helps us honor that work and remind people of the struggles the different communities Easterseals serves are faced with every day.”

Senate Resolution 199 declares April 3, 2019, as “Easterseals Day” in Illinois, 100 years to the day Edgar Allen founded the National Society for Crippled Children, which grew into the Easterseals.

Allen’s activism began after his young son was killed in a streetcar accident. Allen sold his business to begin a fundraising campaign to build a hospital due to the lack of adequate care for his son. He later learned of the terrible conditions children with disabilities faced and directed his efforts to his new organization.

Today, Easterseals is a strong partner with governments, corporations, foundations, and other sectors to connect individuals and families to early intervention and childhood education services, autism spectrum disorder services, employment assistance and placement, mental health services, respite, camping and recreation, and caregiving and aging supports

“The budget we passed today, along with the pension, procurement and local government reforms passed last week, demonstrate a clear sign of good faith from the Senate Democrats." - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Senate passed a balanced budget for the next fiscal year. The budget, which includes new revenues and spending cuts, spends the same amount of money as the governor’s proposal while balancing it unlike the governor’s past proposals.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) voted for the budget, citing the need to end the budget impasse. Senator Koehler issued the following statement:

“Too many people are suffering in Illinois without a budget in place,” Koehler said. “The budget we passed today, along with the pension, procurement and local government reforms passed last week, demonstrate a clear sign of good faith from the Senate Democrats. If the governor remains opposed, then it is proof that he was never interested in a deal in the first place."

“This budget provides the stability and certainty our state needs to grow in the future and focuses on recovering from this impasse. It will be years before we fully recover; however, this budget is the important first step to doing so.”