SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading legislation to ease the financial burden on student teachers and provide incentives for experienced educators to mentor Illinois’ next generation of teachers.

“Our state needs talented, dedicated teachers and that starts with removing some of the financial hurdles students face when pursuing an education degree,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This program will help aspiring teachers afford the costs of student teaching while rewarding experienced educators who guide them along the way.”

House Bill 1375 would establish a stipend program through the Illinois Board of Higher Education, offering student teachers stipends of up to $10,000 per semester for a maximum of two consecutive semesters. The program also would include stipends of $2,000 per semester for cooperating teachers who mentor student teachers, which are also limited to two consecutive semesters each year.

The program is set to reduce the financial strain on education majors during the critical student-teaching phase and incentivize experienced educators to continue mentoring.

“By supporting student teachers, we’re laying the ground work for quality education in classrooms across Illinois,” Koehler said. “This bill sends a clear message that Illinois prioritizes education and those who choose to teach.”

House Bill 1375 was heard today in the Senate Appropriations – Education Committee and awaits further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading a measure to ensure parents and guardians of students who receive special needs services can access their children's mental health records.

"Parents are essential in supporting their children's education and well-being," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "This bill ensures they have the information needed to make informed decisions about their child's care."

House Bill 2994 would allow parents or guardians of students receiving special education services to inspect and obtain copies of their child’s mental health records, regardless of the child's age. The legislation would also ensure designated representatives of students who are 18 or older and involved in special education services have the same access, enabling better communication and informed decision-making for families and caretakers.

 “By improving access to these records, we empower families to better advocate for their children's needs,” Koehler said. “This is a step toward creating more transparent and supportive educational environments.”

House Bill 2994 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced nearly $2 million in state grant funding to support Bloomington's downtown revitalization project, "Downtown for Everyone."

"A thriving downtown is essential to every city," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "Investing in downtown Bloomington will support local businesses, enhance public spaces and improve the quality of our city for residents and visitors."

The funding, totaling $1,999,603, will support the initial development of Bloomington's "Downtown for Everyone" Streetscape Program. The project includes roadway improvements and infrastructure strengthening to recapture the image of the downtown area, making the district more accessible and attractive to residents and visitors.

This investment comes from the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program, which provides awards to support public infrastructure projects designed to boost economic activity and improve the quality of life in communities across Illinois.

"This funding will help Bloomington's historic downtown live up to its full potential," Koehler said. "I’m excited to see this investment turn into real benefits for our local businesses, families and community."

A complete list of grant recipients is available here.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler secured nearly $30,000 to support school library resources across nine school districts in the greater Bloomington-Normal and Peoria areas.

"School libraries are a critical part of a child's learning experience," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "This funding ensures that students – no matter their ZIP code – have access to the books, technology and materials they need to learn, grow and thrive."

Through the Secretary of State's School District Library Grant Program, more than $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 public school libraries across Illinois. The funding helps libraries purchase books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, and technology.

The following districts in the 46th Senate District received a combined total of nearly $30,000:

• Limestone Central High School District 310 (Bartonville) – $850
• Bloomington School District 87 – $3,828
• East Peoria High School District 309 – $850
• East Peoria School District 86 – $1,173
• Illinois State University Laboratory School District (Normal) – $955
• McLean County Unit School District 5 (Normal) – $10,165
• Peoria Public School District 150 – $10,207
• Pleasant Valley School District 62 (Peoria) – $850
• Washington District 50 Schools – $850

"These grants are a great example of how targeted state investment can make a real difference in our local schools," Koehler said. "I'm proud to support our libraries and the students who rely on them."

A complete list of school library grant recipients can be found here.