Koehler works to provide financial relief for property owners

SPRINGFIELD – To provide sorely needed flexibility and relief as businesses and counties begin to reopen, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) sponsored legislation that would give property owners the means to continue meeting the challenges presented by COVID-19.

"I led the Senate’s economic revitalization working group with one goal in mind. We had to provide people with real, tangible solutions to the enormous challenges brought on by the pandemic,” Koehler said. “Implementing property tax relief measures and extending payment deadlines is where we have to start as we begin to work toward the recovery of our local economies.”

Under this legislation, local businesses and residents would see property tax relief in the form of:

• Empowering county governments to approve 2020 homestead exemptions for those with disabilities, veterans with disabilities and senior citizens, as long as the property had been granted this exemption for 2019.
• Allowing counties with less than 3 million residents to waive interest penalties and fees for late property tax payments due in 2020.
• Deferred property tax sales for counties with less than 3 million residents.

This legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.

Koehler votes for safe elections

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure safe participation in the upcoming election, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) voted to expand voting options for Illinoisans.

“Because we are unsure of what further consequences we could be facing this fall as we continue managing the fallout of the COVID-19 crisis, we ought to offer folks more options as they consider how to cast their ballot,” Koehler said. “The promotion of safe, secure elections should not be a partisan issue.”

Under this legislation any person who has voted in the past two years — in the 2018 General Election, 2019 Consolidated Election or 2020 Primary Election — would receive an application for a vote-by-mail ballot in their mailbox. It can then be filled out and mailed to your election commission, or there will be instructions for making the request electronically. Voters will retain the choice to vote in person via early voting or on Election Day, which would be a state holiday for 2020.

“Polling places will still be open for in-person voting, so if you feel safe going to the polls, then you have that right,” Koehler said. “Our goal is to encourage safe participation in the election, and this is a path forward that takes public safety and health into account.”

This legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.

Get Hired Illinois resources

Get Hired Illinois connects job seekers and employers.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has partnered with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Department of Employment Services to launch Get Hired Illinois, a new portal designed to connect workers of all levels and backgrounds with available job and career training opportunities across the state. Employers can upload jobs, virtual career fairs and training opportunities to the page, which currently features nearly 60,000 available opportunities in a variety of industries. 

Coursera can help you develop career skills for free.

Beginning in June, Illinois residents will also have free access to online workforce development courses through Coursera, an online platform that provides workers with resources for professional development. These programs can help Illinoisans navigate new career pathways, with a focus on the Information Technology field. After completing online training, participants will have the opportunity to continue in their studies at a local community college or university, or to connect with employers through their local workforce boards. Illinoisans will be able to access Coursera through Illinois WorkNet starting June 1.

Serve your state while making extra income.

You don’t have to be a doctor or nurse to help out during the COVID-19 crisis. As the state ramps up contact tracing efforts to control the spread of the virus, Gov. Pritzker has predicted that Illinois may need over 3,800 workers in the coming weeks and months. If you think you may be interested in working as a contact tracer for IDPH, fill out this form.

The U.S. Census Bureau is continuing to hire census workers across the country. Field operations have resumed in select locations, with social distancing and other safety measures in place to protect the health of both workers and the public. Apply for a position with the 2020 Census here.

Many essential businesses — including banks, drugstores, grocery stores and online delivery services — are also hiring workers to meet increased demand. Contact businesses near you directly to find out their needs.

Koehler: online clinics are available to curb rising utility costs

PEORIA – To potentially save homeowners money on rising utility bills, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is encouraging residents to participate in the Citizens Utility Board’s (CUB) Virtual Utility Bill Clinic.

“While we spend more of our time at home with loved ones, the increase in utility costs is inevitable,” Koehler said. “As we continue to manage the consequences of COVID-19, every dollar counts. People need to know there are free programs available that can provide folks with measures to take which could result in lower utility costs. I urge homeowners to participate in a Citizens Utility Board clinic to see what savings may be in store for them.”

To participate, residents should send a copy of their most recent electric, natural gas and telecom bills to CUB at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Attn: Virtual Utility Bill Clinic.” Participants can remove personal information, but their documents should include the account holder’s name.

A CUB specialist will evaluate the bill to determine if you are signed up with an alternative supplier or if you are paying for unnecessary products or services. CUB will also let you know if you are eligible for money-saving programs, like financial assistance, and share information about energy-efficiency programs.

For more information on the program, please visit www.citizensutilityboard.org.