SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler today advanced House Bill 767, legislation designed to put clear, expert vaccine guidance at the center of Illinois’ public health response.

“Families deserve straightforward, evidence-based information when making health decisions for their children,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “This bill makes sure medical experts are directing immunization policy while strengthening protections around who can administer vaccines to young children.”

House Bill 767 comes at a time when the federal administration has gone dark on vaccine transparency. The goal is to shine a spotlight on this issue so Illinois continues to follow the science, no matter what happens at the federal level.

The legislation would strengthen advisory duties for the Department of Public Health’s medical director and require the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee to advise the director on diseases for which a vaccine is licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This aims to give the state advisory committee more authority to advise the director on vaccine guidelines that protect Illinois public health in the absence of federal action.

As consumer protections and insurance coverage at the federal level are rolled back, this legislation would require health insurance plans to cover, without cost-sharing, immunizations that are recommended within the State Guidelines for Communicable Disease Prevention. Under this bill, coverage would take effect within 15 days after becoming law, removing a financial barrier to timely access for families.

“By centering medical expertise, transparency and clear rules, House Bill 767 will help families make informed choices and give providers the guidance they need to protect public health,” Koehler said.

House Bill 767 passed the Senate Thursday.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler helped secure nearly $98 million to improve roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure in Central Illinois.

“Investing in our infrastructure provides safer travel and boosts the connection of our communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “With this funding, we are improving daily commutes, and building a stronger foundation for our local economies.”

The most extensive multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in the state's history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility, and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. IDOT’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Koehler represents will see infrastructure projects totaling close to $98 million next year.

“Every mile of road we repair and every bridge we strengthen is an investment in the people of Central Illinois,” Koehler said. “These projects connect workers to jobs, farmers to markets, and families to each other. By laying this groundwork today, we are creating a more interconnected future for our communities.”

A full list of projects in the 46^th District can be found here.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler helped secure nearly $98 million to improve roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure in Central Illinois.

“Investing in our infrastructure provides safer travel and boosts the connection of our communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “With this funding, we are improving daily commutes, and building a stronger foundation for our local economies.”

The most extensive multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in the state's history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility, and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. IDOT’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Koehler represents will see infrastructure projects totaling close to $98 million next year.

“Every mile of road we repair and every bridge we strengthen is an investment in the people of Central Illinois,” Koehler said. “These projects connect workers to jobs, farmers to markets, and families to each other. By laying this groundwork today, we are creating a more interconnected future for our communities.”

A full list of projects in the 46^th District can be found here.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is drawing attention to the real, everyday benefits that expanded public transit will bring to downstate Illinois, from improved access to jobs and health care, to greater independence for seniors and students. He is inviting community members to a town hall on improving public transit on Monday, Sept. 29 in Peoria.

“Reliable transit is about more than routes and schedules — it’s about people getting to work on time, seniors making it to doctor’s appointments, students reaching after-school programs and families accessing the services they need,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Investing in transit means investing in the lives and opportunities of our neighbors across Central and downstate Illinois.”

Koehler noted that stronger transit networks reduce isolation for rural and small-town residents, connect workers to employers without forcing long commutes, and support local businesses by making it easier for customers and employees to reach downtowns and commercial corridors. Improved transit options also enhance equity allowing residents without reliable vehicles to still be able to access education, onsite training and health care.

Local leaders and community organizations will discuss these ideas and next steps at a public town hall on improving transit for Peoria and Central Illinois. The event, hosted by the Sierra Club and Senator Koehler and featuring Peoria Mayor Rita Ali, will be held Monday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (Room 400) at Peoria City Hall.

“At a time when many families are stretching every dollar, affordable and dependable transportation is a lifeline,” Koehler said. “I encourage residents to come to the town hall, share their experiences and help shape a transit system that works for everyone.”

Residents who cannot attend the meeting but want to learn more or share input are encouraged to contact Senator Koehler’s office at 309-677-0120.