Koehler-backed measure to address organized crime signed into law

PEORIA – A measure supported by State Senator Dave Koehler to protect businesses, expand resources for prosecutors and promote economic growth by identifying and addressing organized retail crime in Illinois was signed into law Friday.

“Businesses across Illinois have experienced great losses as a result of organized retail crimes,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “These crimes are hurting our businesses and hindering our local economies. Enough is enough.”

The law, previously House Bill 1091, defines organized retail crime in Illinois statute as the theft of retail merchandise with the intent to sell. It also gives prosecutors additional resources to charge crime leaders by expanding opportunities to bring forth charges, including allowing the Illinois attorney general to prosecute via a statewide grand jury.

The measure also establishes the Integrity, Notification and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act, which requires third-party sellers to verify users’ identity with bank account numbers or other personal identifying information.

“By supporting law enforcement and making it easier to hold ringleaders responsible, we can not only ensure these crimes are addressed properly, but we can work to prevent them from occurring to begin with,” said Koehler.

Most provisions in the new law take immediate effect, but the INFORM Act is effective Jan. 1, 2023.

Nearly 100 local businesses receive more than $1.5 million in pandemic relief funds

PEORIA – Thanks to advocacy by State Senator Dave Koehler and the General Assembly, more than $1.5 million has been awarded to local small businesses through the Back to Business program.

“The health of our small businesses is crucial to strong local economies,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “As our businesses look to rebuild following the challenges of the last two years, this funding has been well-deserved and incredibly helpful.”

The $1,730,000 was awarded to 94 local businesses. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops and salons, and disproportionately impacted areas.

“Small businesses supported and served our communities through the pandemic,” said Koehler. “I’m proud to advocate for them and ensure they now get the support they deserve.”

Thanks to years of fiscally responsible decisions and a surplus in the budget, the state saw an increase in funds available to assist small businesses.

Additional resources can be found on DCEO’ website and through DCEO’s First Stop Business Information Center Services at 800-252-2923 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pilot program offering support for crime survivors coming to Peoria thanks to Koehler-backed law

PEORIA – A new law backed by State Senator Dave Koehler to establish the Co-Responder Pilot Program in an effort to offer crisis management and emotional support to survivors of crime was signed Tuesday afternoon.

“Addressing crime and violence in our communities requires a dynamic approach,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This program takes a fresh look at ways to provide support to survivors to ensure no one falls through the cracks or goes without assistance.”

The new law, formerly House Bill 4736, requires police departments in Peoria, East St. Louis, Springfield and Waukegan to establish a co-responder unit of social workers responsible for conducting follow-up visits for victims who may benefit from mental or behavioral health services, connecting survivors with appropriate resources, and providing other necessary assistance. Mental health professionals additionally have the potential to both deescalate situations as they occur and reduce recurrent calls for assistance by helping to identify and address the root causes of many overarching issues.

The legislation also includes the creation of a Crime Reduction Task Force to develop and propose policies and procedures to reduce crime in Illinois, an expansion of the Gang Crime Witness Protection Act to create the Violent Crime Witness Protection Fund, and guidance for instruction on victim-centered and trauma-informed investigation training for homicide investigators.

“In the aftermath of a crime, especially violent, traumatic crimes, survivors may not know where to turn for support,” said Koehler. “By implementing the Co-Responder Pilot Program, we make necessary resources accessible to survivors in need.”

The Co-Responder Pilot Program and other provisions of the legislation are effective immediately.

Koehler: Budget, tax relief plan give money back to Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the Senate’s approval of a budget and tax relief plan that prioritize working families and put money back into communities, State Senator Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:

“Over the last two years Illinoisans across the state have displayed grit and resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges, and I am proud to support a budget that offers recovery measures for our state and the people in it.

“Not only does this budget pay off many of our debts and allocate ample funds to all of our biggest priorities, our state pensions and the Rainy Day fund, but it also puts hard-earned money back in the pockets of people across Illinois.

“This budget ensures future economic security for working people across our state.”