Koehler advances measure encouraging Illinoisans to purchase vehicles manufactured in-state

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) aimed to encourage people to invest in cars and small trucks manufactured in Illinois advanced out of the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

“Encouraging consumers to purchase vehicles that are manufactured in-state is a simple and effective way to support our statewide economy,” Koehler said. “By offering an economic incentive for vehicles made in Illinois, we can make the decision easy when it comes down to purchasing in- versus out-of-state cars.”

Under Senate Bill 3609, Illinoisans purchasing cars or passenger trucks will have the opportunity to apply for a $25 rebate on the title fee if the vehicle was manufactured in Illinois.  The application for title must occur within one year of the month the vehicle was manufactured.

“We have an incredibly talented and dedicated manufacturing workforce here in Illinois,” Koehler said. “Our state manufactures reliable, high-quality vehicles that, under this legislation, would become more affordable to our residents across the board.”

Senate Bill 3609 awaits further consideration.

Koehler: Legislative Inspector General will increase accountability and ethical oversight

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the Senate’s approval of Peoria native Michael P. McCuskey as Legislative Inspector General, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:

“It is our responsibility in the General Assembly to appoint a Legislative Inspector General who will fulfill their duty to hold the body to a high standard of ethical oversight and legislative accountability.

“The Honorable Michael McCuskey has spent nearly half a century demonstrating his dedication to integrity and ethics, and I am confident he will take on this role with the utmost sincerity. As our state continues down the path of progress, upright and impartial scrutiny is essential.

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Judge McCuskey. He represents ethics, morality and good judgement in his personal life, and I look forward to his staunch and conscientious review of this body.”

Koehler’s measure to expand renewable recycling advances out of committee

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) to establish a plan for renewable recycling in Illinois advanced out of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday.

“When talking about renewable energy, we sometimes overlook that while the energy itself may be renewable, too often the technology used to harness it isn’t,” Koehler said. “Expanding opportunities to recycle and reuse the raw materials used to build solar panels won’t just save taxpayer dollars, it will help protect our environment and keep sustainable energy truly sustainable.”

Senate Bill 3790 creates a Renewable Energy Component Recycling Task Force, which is responsible for investigating options for recycling and other end of life methods for renewable generation components and energy storage devices. The Task Force must report its findings to the General Assembly by March 1, 2023.

By 2030, the United States is expected to see as much as one million total tons of solar panel waste, and by 2050, the United States is expected to have the second largest number of retired solar panels in the world, with as many as an estimated 10 million total tons of panels. States such as California, Hawaii, New Jersey, North Carolina and Washington have already implemented strategies to address this excess waste.

“As we look to establish sustainable energy sources for our state, we need to make sure we’re phasing out old technology in a safe and responsible manner,” Koehler said. “Creating new problems in the name of solving old ones isn’t progress. We have a responsibility to strive toward a healthier environment for generations to come.”

The legislation now goes before the Senate for further consideration.

Koehler advances legislation highlighting resources available to Illinoisans with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – Families of students with disabilities will be more fully informed of the resources available to them thanks to a measure by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that passed out of the Senate State Government Committee on Wednesday.

“Students with disabilities face seemingly insurmountable challenges every day,” Koehler said. “For many of these students and their families, the COVID-19 pandemic has only added to their worries; and helping families access much-needed assistance should be a priority.”

Senate Bill 3474 requires school districts to provide informational materials about the Achieving a Better Life Experience account program directly to the parent or guardian of students with disabilities.

The ABLE program aims to assist individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence and quality of life. It also provides secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of people with disabilities to supplement insurance benefits and income.

“By ensuring that Illinoisans with disabilities and their families know about the ABLE account program, we can create solutions instead of exacerbating problems,” Koehler said.

The legislation will now go before the full Senate for further consideration.