Koehler commends the work of Pekin high school students on underground rail road project.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler praises the students from Pekin High School for their recent presentation highlighting Illinois’ significant role in the Underground Railroad, a project inspired by the efforts of Koehler’s statewide commission.

“It’s inspiring to see students engaging deeply with Illinois history,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Their work not only highlights the courage and resilience of those involved in the Underground Railroad, but it also helps our community appreciate and preserve this important part of our past.”

The student-made website, guided by the objectives of Koehler’s Underground Railroad Commission, focused on researching and identifying historic locations across Illinois that served as safe havens for those fleeing slavery. Koehler’s commission aims to recognize, preserve, and educate Illinois residents about the critical role the state played in supporting freedom seekers during one of America’s most challenging chapters.

“I want to thank the Pekin High School students and teachers for dedicating their time and passion to this meaningful project,” Koehler said. “Their efforts have helped shed light on local history and brought new energy to the commission’s ongoing mission to educate and inspire.”

For more information about the commission and its initiatives, reach out here.

Koehler secures nearly $800,000 in grants for local for Constitution Trail

BLOOMINGTON—State Senator Dave Koehler secured nearly $800,000 in grants from the Illinois Department of Transportation to support the extension of Constitution Trail, which will improve local pedestrian and cyclist safety in Bloomington.

“Expanding Constitution Trail provides our residents with safe and accessible pathways to commute, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Projects like this improve quality of life, encourage active transportation and foster more connected communities.”

The Constitution Trail extension project will create a 10-foot-wide, multi-use path from Lafayette Street to Hamilton Road. The new section will initially follow parallel to Bunn Street before turning northwest to cross underneath I-55 Business via an existing railway underpass in Southeast Bloomington.

“Improving our trails and paths is a direct advancement in the health and wellbeing of Bloomington,” Koehler added. “This project will positively impact Bloomington residents and visitors for years to come.”

The funding announced is part of a statewide investment in transportation alternatives, including bike and pedestrian trails, streetscape beautification and other infrastructure improvements to promote safe travel for Illinois residents.

Koehler encourages residents to participate in free household hazardous waste disposal event

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is encouraging area residents to participate in the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste collection event sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and local partners.

"Hazardous materials can clutter our homes and harm the environment if not disposed of properly," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "Events like this make it easy to be responsible with items that are often difficult to discard safely."

Residents can bring chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, weed killers, insecticides, pesticides, and other household hazardous materials. Items such as latex paint, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, explosives, smoke detectors, and agricultural chemicals will not be accepted.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-registration is required and can be found here. Participants are encouraged to pack materials securely and remain in their vehicles at the collection site, where staff will safely remove items from the vehicle.

"Participating in this event is a simple way each of us can contribute to a safer, cleaner environment," said Koehler. "Every small effort helps make a healthier Peoria county."

For full details and registration information, visit the Peoria County recycling services page at peoriacounty.gov/201/Recycling-Services.

Koehler bill ensuring parental access to student mental health records passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Dave Koehler to make certain that parents and guardians of students enrolled in special education programs have access to their children’s mental health records has passed the Illinois Senate.

“Parents need reliable access to critical information about their child’s mental health, especially when it comes to special education services,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Passing this bill gives families the tools they need to advocate for their child’s educational and emotional well-being effectively.”

House Bill 2994 would allow parents or guardians of students receiving special education services to access their child’s mental health records regarding services the parent or guardian consented to on the child’s behalf. Additionally, a designated representative of a student who is 18 or older would also have access to these records. This measure strengthens communication and helps close the information gap between families, teachers and school administrators.

Under current law, parental access to these records can be unclear or limited as students grow older, potentially hindering effective care coordination.

“With this legislation, we’re creating greater transparency between families, schools and care providers,” Koehler said. “It confirms that students will receive consistent and informed support from everyone involved in their education.”

House Bill 2994 passed the Senate on Thursday.