Koehler’s plan to waive trapping license requirements for disabled veterans and others passes Senate committee

SPRINGFIELD – Disabled veterans, returning service members and those who are terminally ill would not need to get a trapping license under a plan by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that advanced out of the Senate Agriculture Committee Thursday.

Koehler is the sponsor of Senate Bill 1533, which provides a trapping license exemption for those groups.

“Our servicemen and women sacrifice so much every day on our behalf, and this legislation is a small step toward showing them that we have not forgotten that sacrifice,” Koehler said. “I am proud to work on this and similar measures that are aimed at providing our veterans with the resources they need and deserve.”

The legislation is now scheduled to be considered before the whole Senate.

Koehler celebrates “Rock the FAFSA” week, encourages students to take advantage of aid

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is celebrating the Illinois State Board of Education’s “Rock the FAFSA” week in an effort to encourage students in the 46th District and across the state to take advantage of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

“With the cost of higher education becoming less affordable with every passing year, it’s important that students considering college make use of this great option,” said Koehler. “FAFSA makes college more attainable, and I highly encourage all students to take the fullest advantage of this program.”

ISBE is celebrating “Rock the FAFSA” week to remind students there is still time to submit their applications and to provide resources to students who may have questions or need help when filling out the necessary forms.

“I want to make sure that every high school senior in Illinois is able to access the aid that they qualify for, but that won’t happen if the students don’t take the time to apply,” Koehler said.

Illinois currently has the third-highest FAFSA application rate in the country. For more information about FAFSA or to begin an application, visit fafsa.gov.

Peoria County to receive over $1 million in state funding for construction projects

PEORIA – Peoria County is set to receive over $1 million in funding for construction projects over the next three years, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced today.

“The Peoria area will see jobs for the next few years and reliable infrastructure long into the future as a result of this funding,” said Koehler. “Good infrastructure is the foundation we build the future on.”

The funds are being distributed as part of the 2019 Rebuild Illinois construction plan and will be distributed in six installments over the three-year period. Road and bridge improvements, new sidewalks and bike paths, or upgraded traffic signals are just a few of the changes that the Peoria area may see as a result of this funding.

Projects will be decided upon and managed at a local level, and will be overseen by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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Koehler calls for security and aid from Gov. Pritzker's 2022 budget

SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s annual budget address, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) released the following statement:

“I am pleased that the budget proposal is focused on providing stability and predictability to working families in these uncertain times.

“This year’s budget offers a notable increase in resources for older Illinoisans and individuals with disabilities, as well as additional funds for the Illinois Department of Employment Security to remedy delays in aid to those in need. Furthermore, this proposal calls for over $300 million more for human services and an expansion of MAP grants, providing increased support for those seeking higher education in my district and across Central Illinois.  I am concerned, however, about the proposed reduction in funding for local governments. It does not make sense to take money away from our cities when they have experienced the same hardships as the state has. I feel that this will be a highly contested topic during negotiations.

“Families in the 46th District deserve a budget they can rely on, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to shape a budget that works for the people of my district.”