Koehler: Blagojevich abused the mandate he was given by Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler offered the following statement Tuesday after President Donald Trump commuted the 14-year prison sentence of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich by after just seven years served:

“As one of 59 votes to remove Rod Blagojevich from office, I stand by that decision. Had he apologized to the people of Illinois for this behavior, I might have more sympathy to him. But he has for a decade exhibited nothing but defiant arrogance and a total unwillingness to own up to what recorded evidence plainly proves he did. I look forward to working with my colleagues this spring to pass a comprehensive ethics reform package that will discourage the likes of Rod Blagojevich from holding office in our state.”

Koehler votes to override Pritzker veto, protect jobs at Peoria airport

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that would ensure the preservation of manufacturing jobs in the Peoria area passed the Senate with bipartisan support yesterday.

“The point of this legislation is simple: to keep good-paying jobs in our area,” Koehler said. “Without this tax exemption there is no question that aviation companies would have to take a long look at doing business elsewhere.”

Peoria is home to Byerly Aviation, a company that offers maintenance, charters and aircraft sales.

This legislation would reinstate the Illinois state sales tax exemption for materials used in aircraft manufacturing, which expired Dec. 31, 2014. Since its expiration, the Illinois Department of Revenue audited several privately owned aviation repair companies and never required them to collect sales tax. The Illinois Aviation Trades Association believes the outstanding tax bill is roughly $50 million.

This legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.

Koehler encouraged by Gov. Pritzker’s commitment to downstate economic development

SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State address on Wednesday, State Senator Dave Koehler released the following statement:

“Ensuring our downstate communities continue to prosper is of the utmost importance. By passing meaningful property tax reform, creating jobs by implementing the $45 billion infrastructure plan and assisting small businesses ahead of future minimum wage increases we will provide fiscal stability for our communities. I look forward to working with Governor Pritzker as we continue our fight to increase economic security for downstate families.”

Koehler: capping insulin costs is common sense

SPRINGFIELD – Following the signing of legislation to combat skyrocketing costs of prescription insulin, State Senator Dave Koehler offered the following statement:

“For far too long, people who need this medication to survive have been forced to make the impossible choice between food and housing or prescription medication,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “This life saving medication should be available at a cost that will not break the bank, and with this new law we’re making this a reality for Illinoisans.”

The price of insulin has drastically increased in the United States in the past several years. According to a 2016 analysis, the price of the drug tripled between 2002 and 2013.

1.3 million Illinoisans are living with diabetes and rely on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. Price increases have left many of them struggling to pay for the drug, and at-risk of deadly consequences.

“This truly is common sense legislation, and I’m incredibly proud to have advocated on its behalf,” Koehler said.