Koehler: Telehealth expansion will save lives

PEORIA – In an effort to serve those who are potentially impacted by COVID-19 and are recovering at home, OSF Healthcare is launching telehealth locations in Peoria and other locations throughout Illinois, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Tuesday.

“By prioritizing the funding of telehealth services, we’re able to more easily serve areas of the state that have otherwise been overlooked,” Koehler said. “Simultaneously, this technology helps to prevent overcrowding in hospitals, allowing us to further reduce the spread of this virus within our communities. Thank you to the experts at OSF Health Care for their innovation and state officials for smoothly implementing this program. I urge residents to try to take advantage of this if they are able.”

According to OSF, this pandemic health worker approach safeguards hospitals from being overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, limits the spread of contagion and protects access to quality healthcare for all.

The OSF PHW teams are serving East Central and North Central Illinois communities include Peoria/Bloomington, Champaign/Urbana, Evergreen Park, Danville, Galesburg, Kewanee, Monmouth, Ottawa, Mendota, Streator, Pontiac and Rockford. The OSF Hotline number is 833-673-5669 and is available now. More information can be found at www.osfhealthcare.org.

This collaboration was made possible through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and OSF HealthCare.

Guidance regarding the landscaping and lawn care industry

The landscape industry requested additional information from the Governor's office about whether lawn, landscape, and tree services were essential services under Section 12, Paragraph H of the Executive Order that reads:

Critical trades. Building and Construction Tradesmen and Tradeswomen, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, operating engineers, HVAC, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses and Operations;

Although landscaping is not mentioned by name, landscape services were verified as essential by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity on March 23, 2020. An FAQ document was released on essential businesses that reads:

Can residential and commercial lawn service remain open?

Yes. Many landscape projects will fit under an exemption such as construction, agriculture, or public works. Outdoor landscape projects generally will provide for good social distancing that poses little risk of transmission, but it still is important to ensure the ability to wash or sanitize hands and take other precautions.

The FAQ document is included here: https://bit.ly/2Jsf3zT

This would include essential services for the following trades: landscape contractors (construction and maintenance), lawn care, irrigation, and tree care.

Additional information on green industry businesses: These fall under Section 12, Paragraphs A & B of the Executive Order.

Garden Centers - These establishments sell materials for customers to produce fruits and vegetables at their residences, sell firewood, pet supplies, and other household essentials. They are adapting business policies and procedures to protect employees and customers, in alignment with CDC guidelines, while serving the needs of the community.

Nurseries, Growers, Greenhouses - These businesses fall under agricultural production and are listed as essential businesses under the EO.

Koehler reiterates extension of expiration dates for driver licenses, vehicle registration

PEORIA – Because of the unforeseen circumstances brought on by the coronavirus outbreak, expiration dates for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration will be extended at least 30 days after Driver Services facilities reopen.

“It may not be practical for folks to renew licenses and registrations by the expiration date since these offices are currently closed. Thankfully, Secretary White acknowledged the obstacle Illinoisans face and took initiative to extend those expiration dates,” State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “I’m grateful Secretary White’s office is continuing to offer vital services during this public health crisis. Of course, I look forward to the day when these measures are no longer necessary.”

While Secretary of State Jesse White has closed all Driver Services facilities statewide through April 30 and extended all registrations, licenses, and ID renewals during the closure period, his office continues to offer many services through www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

Services available online 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.

There is currently no timetable for the reopening of offices and Driver Services facilities. Secretary White’s office will continue to rely on expert opinion to influence the decision making process.

Koehler lauds decision to extend state tax filing deadline

Peoria – To alleviate some of the financial anxieties many families are facing in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, the state tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, a move State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said will help take some financial and emotional pressure off Illinoisans.

“The decision by the governor to extend the Illinois state tax filing deadline is incredibly prudent,” Koehler said. “This will provide relief to workers who find themselves in uncharted territory as it pertains to their employment status and income. We have plenty of folks who are worried about where their next paycheck may be coming from. The last thing that needs to be on their mind at this moment is how they’re going to be paying their tax bill.”

Over the course of the past several weeks, Koehler has diligently worked to share vital information with constituents to help ease the burden that our communities are facing due to the coronavirus outbreak.

He encourages those with further questions to either contact his office via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by calling (309) 677-0120, or visiting the Illinois Senate Democrats’ coronavirus resource hub at http://illinoissenatedemocrats.com/covid-19