Koehler: I am committed to ending this impasse

“I remain committed to working with my Republican colleagues to end this impasse before more people suffer." - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement regarding the governor’s decision to call a special session of the General Assembly next week:

“Almost one month ago, the Illinois Senate passed a balanced budget with meaningful reforms the governor has demanded. We adjusted those reforms more than 30 times to appease the changing demands of the governor, yet still he asks for more.

“I remain committed to working with my Republican colleagues to end this impasse before more people suffer. However, I will remain suspicious of anything this governor demands until he demonstrates that he is willing to negotiate in good faith.”

Peoria area schools big winners under new funding formula

“This new formula will make sure children in all environments; urban, suburban and rural, are able to get an education at a school that is fairly funded.” - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

PEORIA – Peoria-area schools could see increases in state funding under the new school funding formula passed by the General Assembly. The new formula, passed as Senate Bill 1, prioritizes new money to schools furthest from equity.

Some of those school districts that could see large increases include Peoria, Pekin, Canton and Limestone. Under SB 1, major Peoria-area schools are estimated to get the following amounts:

• Canton Union District 66: $762,658
• Limestone Community High District 310: $539,074
• Pekin Community High District 303: $727,431
• Pekin Public Schools District 108: $544,824
• Peoria Public Schools District 150: $1,812,332

Under the same plan, due to its classification as a high-tax district, East Peoria Community High School District 309 could potentially see property tax relief because of increased state aid.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) voted for the new formula, citing the need of downstate Illinois school districts with low property wealth.

“It is no secret that our school funding formula leaves far too many students behind simply because they live in a poor school district,” Koehler said. “This new formula will make sure children in all environments; urban, suburban and rural, are able to get an education at a school that is fairly funded.”

SB 1 also contains a hold-harmless provision that guarantees no schools will receive less money from the state.

Koehler: Schools should be given more flexibility to hire social workers

“With more social workers in schools, we may be able to catch learning deficiencies early and help children grow.” - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD – Local schools will be allowed to hire more social workers under legislation passed in the Illinois Senate today. House Bill 826 would allow schools to employ enough social workers to meet the nationally recommended social worker to student ratio of 250:1.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is the legislation’s sponsor in the Senate.

“We are not forcing schools to hire more social workers in an unfunded mandate,” Koehler said. “All we are saying is if schools want to use their resources to reach the recommended ratio of social workers to students, then we should allow them to do so.”

Past research has shown that diverse students such as those with disabilities or minorities are at a greater risk of having mental health challenges but less likely to receive the necessary services. With more social workers in schools, the hope is that those services will be more easily accessible.

“With more social workers in schools, we may be able to catch learning deficiencies early and help children grow,” Koehler said. “These selfless individuals are crucial to helping struggling students get on the path to success.”

According to the School Social Work Association of America, school social workers provide evidence-based education, behavior and mental health services to students.

The legislation passed both the House and Senate unanimously.

Koehler passes measure cutting red-tape

“If and when we find these types of regulations, we should do everything we can to free those businesses from the burdensome redundancies.” - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD – A redundant food handling certificate required by the state will be no more under legislation passed by the Illinois Senate. House Bill 3684 would eliminate the certificate and $35 fee, helping small business owners and workers.

Currently, the Illinois Department of Public Health requires workers to complete an approved training program and pass an exam provided by an accredited exam provider. After the person passes the exam and pays for the national certificate, they are required to electronically send that certificate to the state and pay $35 for an Illinois specific certificate.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) sponsored the legislation that would eliminate the $35 fee.

“Redundant regulations make it difficult to manage the day-to-day operations of their business instead of focusing on growing,” said Koehler, a former small business owner himself. “If and when we find these types of regulations, we should do everything we can to free those businesses from the burdensome redundancies.”

The measure passed the Senate without opposition.