More Illinois-grown food coming to stores thanks to Koehler law

• SB 3077
• Local Food
• Agriculture

SPRINGFIELD – A majority of food on grocery store shelves is purchased out of state, which has led State Senator Dave Koehler to pass a law to make Illinois food more readily available on local store shelves.

“Our farmers play a significant role in our economy, and we should make every effort to have their produce in stores across our communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law supports our family farmers and gives residents access to fresh local produce.”

Koehler’s law directs the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.

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Koehler law expands access to bleeding disorder medications

• Bleeding Disorder Medication
• Improving access
• HB 4055

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents with hereditary bleeding disorders will soon have improved access to their medication thanks to a new law from State Senator Dave Koehler that cuts red-tape practices used by insurance companies.

“Prior authorization processes are unnecessary checks that, in some instances, can cost a patient their life,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Lifesaving medication needs to be administered to those who need it without delays from insurance companies.”

The new law prohibits prior authorization for FDA-approved medication used for the treatment of hereditary bleeding disorders for up to six months. Prior authorization is a form of approval by insurance companies utilized before agreeing to cover medications and procedures. These checks can be for age, medical necessity, the availability of a medical alternative or drug interactions.

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Koehler leads nation in protecting young influencers with new law in effect

• SB 1782
• Child Labor Laws
• Kidfluencer

SPRINGFIELD – Young social media influencers gained safeguards and protections this month thanks to newly-enacted legislation led by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Social media platforms have given our children new ways to connect, create and make a living,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “In many instances, parents use this opportunity to pocket the earnings while continuing to have their child make content for them.”

Senate Bill 1782 took effect July 1, extending protections under the Child Labor Law to minors age 16 or younger who are featured in vlogs or other online content. The law also requires the child –also known as a “kidfluencer”—to be accurately compensated.

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McLean, Peoria counties to see $193 million investment in roads thanks to Koehler

PEORIA – Following the infrastructure investments backed by State Senator Dave Koehler, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of over $193 million in road and bridge improvement projects across McLean and Peoria counties.

“The Rebuild Illinois initiative is transforming our state’s transportation system,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This funding is a crucial step toward enhancing our roads and bridges, which will positively impact residents and businesses alike.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Koehler represents will see 24 infrastructure projects totaling more than $193 million next year.

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