Koehler: Sheriff’s Deputy will forever be remembered

PEORIA – Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issues the following statement after the death of Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy Troy Chisum:

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy Troy Chisum. Deputy Chisum’s dedication to his duty and to his profession will forever be remembered by his family, friends and the community. I’d like to extend my personal condolences and that of my fellow Senators to Deputy Chisum’s family, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and the entire Fulton County community.”

Koehler passes measure to protect people with food allergies eating at restaurants

SPRINGFIELD – People who fear having an allergic reaction when they dine out at restaurants will have an avenue to help remind restaurant staff of potential allergic reactions thanks to legislation that passed the Illinois Senate today.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) sponsored House Bill 3018 in large part because of an allergic reaction he himself had recently.

“As someone with a food allergy, I understand the care that goes into watching not only what you eat but what your food is prepared with,” Koehler said. “I’m hoping this legislation can help people, especially parents, have a sense of ease when going out to eat at a local restaurant.”

Under HB 3018, restaurants would be required to post a sign in clear view of customers reminding them to tell restaurant staff of any food allergies. The employee who was told of the allergy would then alert their supervisor or certified food protection manager on duty of the allergy.

It is estimated that 32 million people have a food allergy of some kind, including 5.6 million people under the age of 18. Of those children with food allergies, it is reported that 40% are allergic to more than one food.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that the prevalence of food allergies among children increased by 50% between 1997 and 2011. Additionally, the prevalence of nut allergies among children tripled between 1997 and 2008.

The legislation passed the Senate and House and now goes to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Koehler votes for infrastructure plan, budget

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Senate voted to pass both a comprehensive infrastructure plan as well as the final pieces of the state budget today.

Assistant Majority leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) says both are key to bring the state to a long term place of stability.

“When you can find bipartisan solutions to keep our state budget balanced and simultaneously pass a long term road funding plan, that truly shows how far we’ve come these past few years,” Koehler said. “This budget will bring the state certainty and stability, while also modernizing our infrastructure network.”

Koehler encouraged by Governor’s decision to call in National Guard to assist flooded communities

SPRINGFIELD – Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 123 Field Artillery Regiment of the Illinois Army National Guard were activated into service this week to assist areas affected by flooding.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), whose district is bisected by the Illinois River, issued the following statement:

“I am greatly encouraged and grateful that the governor is taking the flooding situation this seriously. I also want to thank the men and women of the Illinois National Guard who will be helping the people of my district.”

Currently 34 counties are under a disaster declaration due to flooding. The Illinois Department of Agriculture has said the percentage of crops planted is far lower than usual this year, due to the flooding.