Koehler-backed measure will bring pilot program offering support for crime survivors to Peoria

SPRINGFIELD – On Thursday, the Illinois Senate advanced a measure backed by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) to establish the Co-Responder Pilot Program in an effort to offer crisis management and emotional support to victims of crime.

“As we work to prevent crime and address its root causes, we need to make sure we’re also minimizing harm and trauma in situations where crime has already occurred,” Koehler said. “The Co-Responder program offers a helping hand to survivors when it comes to locating and accessing important resources in the days and weeks following an incident.”

Under House Bill 4736, police departments in Peoria, East St. Louis, Springfield and Waukegan would be required 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 services, and providing other necessary assistance.

The Co-Responder Pilot Program is just one of several provisions included in the legislation, such as 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 for homicide investigator training.

“Undergoing trauma caused by a crime, especially crimes of a violent nature, can be a very isolating experience,” Koehler said. “Friends, family, or neighbors may not know how to best help and support survivors. By bringing in a team of licensed professionals who are trained for this very thing, we offer survivors the best chance to grow and heal in the aftermath of a crime.”

The legislation now awaits further action.

General Assembly advances legislation bringing motorcycles to the forefront of the electric vehicle push in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to include motorcycles in the discussion of electric transportation—specifically to incentivize the purchase and use of electric motorcycles—was advanced by both chambers of the General Assembly Wednesday evening.

“ABATE of Illinois is pleased the General Assembly overwhelmingly passed SB2940. When signed into law, this will ensure all motorcycles, including electric motorcycles, are included in the future of Illinois transportation,” said Ryan Hubbard, State Coordinator for ABATE of Illinois. “Motorcycles are a primary mode of transportation for thousands of riders in Illinois, and their inclusion in transportation planning is an important part of ensuring everyone can return home safe after every ride.”

When the Clean Energy Jobs Act passed in 2021 with electric vehicle language that specifically excluded motorcycles, ABATE of Illinois made it a priority to remedy the issue. The changes in Senate Bill 2940 ensure electric motorcycles are considered when planning infrastructure and provides an incentive of $1,500 towards the purchase of an electric motorcycle.

“The transition to electric vehicles will affect all forms of transportation. As a longtime supporter of motorcyclists in Illinois, I wanted to make sure they were treated equally when it came to this transition,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), chief sponsor of the bill in the Senate. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to bring together stakeholders to secure motorcycles as part of the future of transportation in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 2940 passed both chambers of the General Assembly with no opposition. The bill had over 30 Senate sponsors and 60 House sponsors.

“The unanimous bipartisan support of SB2940 by the General Assembly sends a clear message that motorcycles will continue to be accounted for when planning the future of transportation,” said Josh Witkowski, State Legislative Coordinator. “ABATE of Illinois looks forward to having the Governor sign this bill and join with the General Assembly in their support of Illinois motorcyclists.”

Having passed both chambers, Senate Bill 2940 now awaits action from the governor.

Koehler: “Tax relief plan gives hard-earned money back to hardworking people”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus unveiled a $1.8 billion tax relief plan on Friday that State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) acclaims as a win for families in Illinois.

“Fiscal responsibility and conscientious budgeting have allowed us to get Illinois back on track,” Koehler said. “Now that we’ve dealt with the state’s debts and deficits, it’s time to pay it forward and give a helping hand to our hardworking families.”

The new initiative puts money back in pockets by issuing relief checks valued at $100 per person and $50 per child to state taxpayers making $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly—resulting in 97% of taxpayers receiving money by this fall. Property owners could also see up to $300 in property tax relief under the proposal.

Additional measures to address inflation and ease financial burden on families include a six-month suspension on the 1% state grocery tax and the state’s portion of the gas tax increase. A proposed sales tax holiday on clothing and footwear Aug. 5 to Aug. 14 would also offer relief for families just in time for back-to-school shopping.

“By giving back hard-earned money, we take some of the financial burden off families and keep those funds circulating in local economies,” Koehler said. “This is a win for our communities, and this is a win for Illinois.”

Senate Bill 1150 also looks to increase tax credits for teachers and volunteer first responders. The measure is expected to come to a vote before the planned legislative adjournment on April 8.

Koehler congratulates Stephen Kouri on Human Rights Commission appointment

PEORIA - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) offered his congratulations to Peoria native Stephen A. Kouri II on his appointment to the Illinois Human Rights Commission by Gov. JB Pritzker.

“I was pleased to learn of Steve’s appointment to the Illinois Human Rights Commission,” Koehler said. “He has been an asset to our community, and I know he will be an asset to the Commission, especially in bringing a downstate viewpoint to the table.”

Kouri was born with cerebral palsy and was the first person with that level of physical disability to graduate high school from Peoria Public Schools District 150. He went on to earn a law degree and came back to the Peoria area to practice. He is an active member of the community and a well-known advocate for others with disabilities.

“The Peoria area has benefited greatly from Steve’s leadership and dedication, and I look forward to seeing him achieve great things as an advocate for all Illinoisans,” Koehler said.

At the time of his appointment, Kouri is the only member of the commission of seven who is not a resident of Cook County. His appointment was approved in the Senate 49-0.