Koehler’s bill promotes access to broadband internet across rural Illinois

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) wants all Illinoisans to have access to reliable broadband internet, so he’s leading the charge to bring services to rural parts of the state.

“When it comes to internet access and connectivity, rural communities have been left behind,” Koehler said. “This has created an opportunity gap that only widens the longer we wait to implement real, lasting solutions.”

Nearly 1.5 million households across the state do not have high speed broadband, and rural Illinoisans are 10% less likely to have broadband than urban and suburban Illinoisans—an infrastructure gap that has been shown to have serious economic consequences.

Senate Bill 2247 establishes a tax credit equal to 15% of the cost of equipment and materials for businesses that provide broadband internet services in counties with fewer than 40,000 residents, or in townships with a population density of less than 50 households per square mile in counties with less than 300,000 people.

The legislation aims to encourage internet providers to offer high speed broadband in rural parts of the state, creating connections that will lead to more jobs, wealth, and public safety benefits for Illinois as a whole.

“This legislation has the potential to increase broadband access in nearly 70 counties in our state,” Koehler said. “By encouraging this investment in our rural communities, we will bolster local and state-wide economies and create opportunities for all Illinoisans.”

Senate Bill 2247 is assigned to the Senate’s Revenue Committee.

Koehler announces Peoria to receive $1.2 million for revitalization of Western Avenue

PEORIA – The City of Peoria is set to receive $1.2 million in grants to to revitalize a commercial corridor on Western Avenue and boost economic development in the community, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced.

“Many of our small businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet after the challenges of the last two years,” Koehler said. “By bringing investment and improvement to our commercial corridors, we are laying a foundation for our businesses as they first recover and then continue to grow.”

The funding comes through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Rebuild Distressed Communities program. The program is designed to help impacted small businesses repair damages and rebuild or expand, and to deliver long-term improvements along commercial corridors where businesses experienced damages during civil unrest.

These corridor improvements will repair and refresh the surrounding area while increasing economic opportunities for impacted businesses. The projects were evaluated based on project need, capacity, quality, and societal impact.

“When our local businesses thrive, our community thrives,” Koehler said. “This funding will help bring energy and life back to the parts of our city that are hurting most.”

The final round of Rebuild Distressed Communities program provides $976,000 to 26 small businesses and $7.45 million to help revitalize seven commercial corridors located across the state. A full list of grantees is available online.

More information on assistance available for small businesses and ongoing capital programs can be found on DCEO’s website.

Koehler’s law brings changes to FOID card system in 2022

PEORIA – A law sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler, a longtime advocate to streamline the FOID card process for responsible gun owners, took effect earlier this week.

“This law will address a years-long backlog of FOID card applications across Illinois while closing loopholes that allow firearms to fall into dangerous hands,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The modernized system will save time and money for lawful applicants, and will allow the Illinois State Police to more fully dedicate its resources to reducing gun violence.”

Public Act 102-0237 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, and expedites the FOID card renewal process for lawful gun owners in order to reduce hassle and prevent future backlogs.

Under the law, new FOID cards will be issued without expiration dates, and firearm owners who hold valid conceal carry licenses will receive combined FOID and CCL. Residents will also find it easier to keep these cards on them at all times through a new electronic option.

For residents whose FOID card expires during the term of their CCL, the FOID card will be automatically renewed without a fee. The person will then be sent a new combined FOID and CCL. Combined cards will not have printed issuance or expiration dates and will serve as both the cardholder’s FOID and CCL.

“Keeping our families safe from gun violence and removing undue hassle for lawful firearm owners aren’t mutually exclusive goals,” Koehler said. “This law will protect both our communities and our liberties.”

Koehler reminds residents of extended license expiration dates, online services

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is reminding drivers they now have an additional three months to renew their licenses.

“By extending the deadline for Illinoisans to renew their licenses or registration, and offering many services through the secretary of state’s website, we can avoid crowded facilities,” Koehler said. “I hope residents will take advantage of online secretary of state services from the safety of their own homes for the time being.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended to March 31, 2022, with the exception of commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations. 

To cut down on long lines and wait times, Koehler encourages people to take advantage of the secretary of state’s online services at ilsos.gov. These services include:

• Renewing a vehicle registration;
• Applying for a vehicle title and registration;
• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;
• Obtaining a driving record abstract;
• Renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.

Koehler is also reminding residents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities.

More information and online services, including license plate renewal, can be found at ilsos.gov.