PEORIA – As part of a statewide initiative to break cycles of poverty and provide economic opportunities for at-risk youth, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity selected Peoria Public Schools to receive $202,648 to put toward youth career training programs, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced.

“As we take steps to reinvigorate our local and statewide economies, we can’t forget about the young people who are looking create opportunities for themselves,” Koehler said. “By offering expanded training opportunities to a younger generation, we are helping set them on the path to success.”

The funding comes as part of a $40 million workforce recovery grant program, with $4.4 million aimed at offering expanded career training programs for at-risk youth across Illinois. These investments will support an expansion of training programs across the state, with funds deployed to 20 partner organizations serving an estimated 500 youth over a one-year period.

“Through this program, we are ensuring that the next generation—the young people who are the future of our state—are equipped with the discipline and skills necessary to take advantage of the opportunities that come their way,” Koehler said.

More information about workforce training opportunities can be found on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the passage of an energy policy that would protect jobs across the state and bring Illinois to the forefront of clean energy in the U.S., State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:

“As we pass this historic legislation, making Illinois a national leader in energy policy, I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have been willing to work together and make compromises in the name of a carbon-free future for our state.

“Months of collaboration have resulted in legislation that will protect good-paying, union jobs across the state, and create tens of thousands more in the clean energy sector.

“As we celebrate this landmark victory, I hope we will continue to take steps toward a clean, carbon-free future for all Illinoisans.”

PEORIA – A number of libraries in the 46^th District will soon receive upgrades to services as a result of more than $363,000 in state grants, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced.

“Libraries provide our communities with a wide range of resources beyond lending books and movies,” Koehler said. “Many people rely on libraries for access to the internet or to be able to use computers and printers. It’s critical that we provide our libraries with the support they need to keep offering these resources.”

The $363,000 received by 12 local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.

“When we supply libraries with adequate funding, they are better equipped to serve our communities,” Koehler said. “As the needs of residents expand and change, the services offered by our libraries will as well, thanks to these grants.”

The following libraries will receive funds:

• Alpha Park Public Library District, $41,943
• Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library, $21,688
• Creve Coeur Public Library District, $8,040
• Spoon River Library District, $5,084
• Fondulac Public Library District, $33,562
• Farmington Area Library District, $10,354
• Lewistown Carnegie Public Library District, $7,984
• Marquette Heights Public Library, $4,165
• Pekin Public Library, $50,288
• Peoria Public Library, $169,635
• Peoria Heights Public Library, $9,080
• South Pekin Public Library, $1,690

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the passage of energy policy that would save and create jobs and place Illinois at the forefront of clean energy in the U.S., State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:

“This legislation will protect union jobs across the state, as well as create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs in the clean energy sector. I am thankful to all those who came to the table and made compromises in the name of moving Illinois toward a carbon-free future.

“This plan would make Illinois a national leader in energy policy and accelerate the transition away from carbon-based energy in Illinois.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to shape energy policy that is best for Illinoisans and for the environment.”