Koehler congratulates newly elected Senate President Harmon

SPRINGFIELD – Following the election of a new Senate President, State Senator Dave Koehler offered the following statement:

“I’d like to offer sincere congratulations to President Harmon on the outcome of today’s election,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “Since I’ve known President Harmon he’s demonstrated a fierce commitment to his constituents and to his colleagues, always finding a way to reach a consensus on how to best serve the people of Illinois.”

Lawmakers will return to Springfield on Jan. 28 for the beginning of the spring legislative session.

“With the election behind us, I’m excited to turn my focus to the spring legislative session,” Koehler said. “Between property tax reform, implementation of the infrastructure plan, ethics reform and assisting local communities that have been impacted by power plant closures, there is no shortage of issues our state is facing. The tasks ahead may be difficult, but I’m excited to continue working on behalf of the people in my district.”

Koehler announces grant that will lead to improved Farmington water infrastructure

SPRINGFIELD – To invest in water system improvements in the community, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development has awarded the City of Farmington $500,000 in the form of Community Development Block Grant, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced today.

“Thanks to this program, Farmington is at long last being given a chance to make necessary upgrades to outdated water infrastructure. I’m excited to follow this project’s development,” Koehler said.

The Community Development Block Grant program is a federally funded initiative designed to support community development activities such as affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development.

“We are very pleased and appreciative that the City of Farmington has received this much-needed Community Development Block Grant to line a large portion of our sewer lines in the west side of town,” Farmington Mayor Kent Kowal said. “While this project is not as glamorous as new curbs, sidewalks, or our new street lights, it is a vital project for the city especially for those living in neighborhoods with outdated sewers desperately in need of attention. I would like to convey our sincere thanks to Western Illinois Regional Council for the grant and to Maurer-Stutz for their valuable assistance.”

Koehler: We need to prioritize good-paying jobs

SPRINGFIELD – Yesterday, Gov. JB Pritzker vetoed House Bill 3902, which would reinstate Illinois’ sales tax exemption for aircraft materials, prioritizing jobs in the aviation-repair industry and allowing business to compete with 35 other states.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:

“The reality of the situation is that this exemption helps our state remain competitive in the aviation industry, and it needs to be reinstated. Without it, aviation companies will outsource these good-paying jobs to other states. We should prioritize the nearly 3,400 jobs across the state that are being threatened due to the governor’s decision.”

Peoria is home to Byerly Aviation, a state of the art facility offering maintenance, charters, and aircraft sales.

Koehler votes to consolidate police and firefighter pensions

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to save taxpayer money, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) voted in favor of a measure today that will consolidate police and firefighter pensions.

“The passage of this bipartisan legislation was years in the making, and I’m thrilled my colleagues and I were able to work with the governor’s office to address a part of our serious pension problem,” Koehler said. “We’re saving taxpayers money and increasing retirement security for those who risk their lives on a daily basis.”

Under this legislation, the roughly 650 separate pension funds for downstate police officers and firefighters will be consolidated into two individual and separate funds. The fund consolidation will happen over a 30-month transition period beginning upon the legislation becoming law and is estimated to save Illinois taxpayers nearly $160 million annually while not affecting individual pension amounts.

“I understand the concerns people may have about giving the state control over a pension system,” Koehler said. “For that reason it’s especially important to keep in mind that local pension board control remains in place under this legislation.”

Under this legislation local pension fund boards and their authority to rule on benefits would remain firmly intact. Additionally, balances of other pensions would be untouched. The proceeds from one fund’s investment will not be used to make up for another fund’s shortfall.

This legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.