SPRINGFEILD- State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) released the following statement after the governor outlined his proposal for Fiscal Year 2026:

“As we navigate a challenging budget landscape, it's imperative that we prioritize our investments to serve the most pressing needs of our communities.

“We must focus on areas that will have the most significant impact, such as our schools and universities, and we must support our workforce and job training programs. At the same time, we need to ensure access to affordable health care, invest in infrastructure improvements, and expand resources for public safety and mental health services. By making strategic decisions, we can uphold our commitment to fiscal responsibility while creating growth and stability in Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, and beyond.”

$6.5 million in state funding is available to help law enforcement agencies recruit and retain talent

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) announced $6.5 million is available in competitive funding for the Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant. This grant aims to increase the quantity and quality of police officer recruitment programs across the State while also offering incentives to support officer retention. Units of local government, public institutions of higher education, and qualified nonprofit entities may apply for this funding.

“ILETSB remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies as they build strong, effective teams,” said Keith Calloway, Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “This grant addresses recruitment challenges and invests in retaining experienced officers who are essential to community safety, and we strongly encourage all eligible entities to apply for this funding.”

For many law enforcement agencies, the costs of developing and implementing successful recruitment and retention programs remains a challenge. To address this challenge, the Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant will offer advance payments, reimbursements, and working capital advance opportunities to support:

• Recruitment initiatives tailored to individual agency needs
• Innovative programs designed to retain experienced officers
• Community policing efforts that bolster law enforcement teams

Agencies must fulfill specific requirements outlined in the application guidelines. ILETSB encourages all eligible agencies to apply for this important funding opportunity.

Applications must be submitted by February 1, 2025. For more information or how to apply visit Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board - FY 25 ILETSB - Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant.

Agencies with questions or requiring assistance can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SPRINGFIELD – Advocating for environmental protections, protecting family farms, supporting working families and strengthening organized labor are major priorities for State Senator Dave Koehler, who was sworn in to his seventh term Wednesday.

“I am humbled to represent the people of the greater Peoria and Bloomington-Normal areas, and I do not take the trust and responsibility of this position lightly,” said Koehler. “I will continue to work to earn their trust and fight for the needs of the community.”

PEORIA – The City of Bloomington and Pleasure Driveway Park in Peoria both received a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue its ongoing improvements to Recreation Park, thanks to strong support from State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Parks are essential for our physical and mental health, providing open space for us to connect with each other and enjoy Illinois’ natural beauty,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This funding will help maintain our community’s wonderful parks —bringing people together for years to come.”

For the third year in a row, Koehler supported funding for economically distressed communities, resulting in 29 underserved locations receiving $17.3 million in grants from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, program.