Koehler encourages local organizations to apply for early childhood grants

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced $100 million in grants available to public school districts and non-profit operators of early childhood centers, and urges local qualifying organizations to apply.

“We can set kids on the right path by investing in our early education programs,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Those first few years can be incredibly impactful, and we want to make sure we’re giving kids every possible opportunity to succeed.”

The funding comes through the Capital Development Board, in consultation with the Illinois State Board of Education, and grants will be released in two rounds. The first round of $60 million will be awarded in fall of 2022 and the remaining $40 million will be awarded at a later date.

In order to be eligible to receive a grant, recipients are required to match between 3% and 10% of the funds, as determined by the ISBE Tier level for the local elementary school district. Grants may be used for projects such as adding on to existing facilities, constructing new buildings, or carrying out safety improvements or renovations in classrooms.

“There are so many great programs here in our community that I know could really benefit from this investment,” Koehler said. “I hope they’ll take advantage of this opportunity.”

Applications are due by Oct. 10, 2022. Interested organizations can find more information and apply online.

Koehler announces nearly $1 million in maintenance grants for local schools

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced nearly $1 million in grants for schools across the 46^th District, thanks to funds distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education.

“Education is one of the most important things we can invest in,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By making sure classrooms and school buildings in our community are well-maintained and up-to-date, we give students a safe place to learn and set them up to succeed.”

A total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was distributed to 600 applicants across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

The 20 local school districts receiving a total of $ 970,282.50 in funding are:

• CUSD 3 Fulton County - $50,000.00
• Canton Union SD 66 - $50,000.00
• Lewistown CUSD 97 - $50,000.00
• Special Education Association of Peoria County - $50,000.00
• Norwood ESD 63 - $50,000.00
• Bartonville SD 66 - $50,000.00
• Oak Grove SD 68 Bartonville - $50,000.00
• Pleasant Hill SD 69 - $50,000.00
• Monroe SD 70 - $50,000.00
• Farmington Central CUSD 265 - $50,000.00
• Limestone CHSD 310 - $50,000.00
• Limestone Walters CCSD 316 - $50,000.00
• Peoria Heights CUSD 325 - $50,000.00
• Illini Bluffs CUSD 327 - $50,000.00
• Hollis Consolidated SD 328 - $50,000.00
• District 50 Schools - $50,000.00
• Creve Coeur SD 76 - $50,000.00
• North Pekin & Marquette Heights SD 102 - $27,500.00
• Pekin CSD 303 - $50,000.00
• East Peoria CHSD 309 - $42,782.50

Projects made possible thanks to these grants include updates to heating and cooling, improvements to ventilation, increased accessibility throughout buildings and more.

A full list of grantees and awards can be viewed on the ISBE website.

Koehler announces a $400,000 state grant for an East Peoria park

PEORIA – To kick off Parks and Recreation Month, State Senator Dave Koehler announced $400,000 in funding for a local park project.

“Spending time in nature is a great way to keep both our minds and bodies healthy,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By bringing these investments to our community, we create outdoor spaces residents are excited to take advantage of.”

Through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program, Levee Park in East Peoria will receive $400,000 to build a spray pad and amphitheater to be enjoyed by community members of all ages.

Grants are administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and support local park projects. When combined with local matching funds, the latest OSLAD grants provide more than $56 million in local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide.

“I hope members of our community will join me in celebrating this Parks and Recreation Month by getting outside and enjoying everything nature has to offer,” Koehler said.

Learn more about OSLAD grants and see a full list of projects on the Illinois DNR website.

Koehler-backed electric vehicle rebate program opens in Illinois

PEORIA – Thanks to State Senator Dave Koehler and other members of the General Assembly, Illinoisans who purchase electric vehicles will now be eligible to apply for a rebate.

“If it’s our goal to increase the accessibility and use of electric vehicles across the board, we have to make sure we’re including everyone in the conversation,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By offering the same incentives for electric motorcycles that we do for other electric vehicles, we’re encouraging sustainability to an even greater population.”

The rebate program was created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passed by the General Assembly and signed into law in the fall of 2021. Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund has nearly $18 million allocated for rebates, and Illinois residents who purchase an all-electric vehicle on or after July 1, 2022, are now eligible to apply for a rebate of $4,000 each. To be eligible for a rebate, the vehicle must be exclusively powered and refueled by electricity, plugged in to charge, and licensed to drive on public roadways.

Electric motorcycles were not originally included in the legislation, but during the spring 2022 legislative session, Koehler sponsored legislation to expand CEJA and make highway-legal electric motorcycles eligible for a $1,500 electric vehicle rebate. Previously Senate Bill 2940, Public Act 102-0820 was signed into law this summer and is in full effect.

ABATE, the state’s largest motorcycle advocacy group, played a large role in drafting the legislation.

“Every step we take toward sustainability counts,” Koehler said. “But we have to make sure everyone has a chance to get on board. By ensuring affordability and accessibility, this is how we do that.”

Applications for the Illinois’ EV Rebate Program can be accessed online starting July 1. All applications must be postmarked on or before Sept. 30, 2022 to be considered. More information about the rebate program, including instructions on completing the application and answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on the EPA’s website.