Koehler: For low income communities, an accurate census is crucial

PEORIA–Citing the widespread effect it will have on funding for everything from infrastructure projects to school funding, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) urged residents to take time to complete the census Friday.

“In order for our communities to receive the crucial federal funding we rely on, we must make sure every single person is accounted for,” Koehler said. “If the only people responding are in the middle and upper class, that’s where the funding is going to go. We need to make sure those who live in communities that may be struggling are represented fairly. I urge everyone to take part in this process so we have an accurate census count and can give our communities a much-needed boost from adequate federal funding.”

The census is safe, secure and confidential. A letter residents should have received in the mail contains their household’s Census ID number, which is used when filling out the census online at my2020census.gov.

Responses will help each community — from influencing highway planning to determining how money is distributed to public school programs. By filling out the census, residents help ensure their communities get the resources they need.

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.