PEORIA — To reduce long wait times and to protect vulnerable populations, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is encouraging older adults to take advantage of the driver’s license expiration date extension from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

“People should not feel compelled to put themselves unnecessarily at risk and should only venture into crowded spaces when they are entirely comfortable,” Koehler said. “This action from Secretary White’s office is the latest in a continued effort to keep at-risk populations safe and healthy, and I commend him for his dedication.”

In addition to being 75 years of age or older, the driver must have a valid license—drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked do not qualify for the one-year extension. Eligible drivers should soon receive a letter from the secretary of state as proof that they qualify.

For drivers under age 75, expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1, 2020. Customers who choose to visit a facility must wear a face mask. In addition, customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and to be prepared to wait outside in various types of weather.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to avoid waiting in line and take advantage of online services, including replacements and renewals of registrations, driver’s licenses and ID cards.

A list of services currently provided by local Secretary of State facilities can be found at www.ilsos.gov/facilityfinder/facility.

Peoria — Pekin will receive a $2 million grant for repairs to Court Street through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Fast-Track Public Infrastructure program, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Thursday.

“Anyone who lives in Pekin can tell you how important this project is for the community,” Koehler said. “Not only will Court Street, a main thoroughfare in Pekin, be revitalized, but we’re also bringing jobs into the community.”

The Fast-Track program was created by the state to provide emergency assistance for businesses and communities facing economic hardship during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Currently, DCEO has launched more than $300 million in emergency relief programs, with most of the funding available for businesses. 

Koehler fought to fund this project, among several others, while negotiating the landmark Rebuild Illinois infrastructure program and was able to secure $20 million in total for the City of Pekin for future projects.

“Thanks to a collaboration with local leaders, Pekin will reap the benefits of a $20 million investment in local road repairs and improvements to other vital infrastructure,” Koehler said. “I look forward to seeing the progress of these projects over the next several years.”

The Fast-Track program is funded through the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan. Eligible applicants were required to prove projects were located in an undeserved area, promoted economic development for minority-owned businesses and could start construction within 90 days after being awarded.

To see other Fast-Track award recipients, click here.

PEORIA – The Peoria Public Library and the Pekin Public Library are the recipients of a mentoring grant from the Illinois secretary of state’s office, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Tuesday.

The grant was awarded through the Project Next Generation program, which is a mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Mentors work with middle and high school students to help them develop skills needed to use technology and find success through project-based learning. Mentors also help with developing life skills, such as effective communication, goal setting and conflict resolution.

These libraries are two of 28 public libraries in the state to receive the grant. The grant money will be allocated as follows:

• Pekin Public Library: $26,917
• Peoria Public Library: $12,500

“I’m thrilled to see that Secretary White is demonstrating a commitment to the wellbeing of public libraries in our state,” Koehler said. “Well funded libraries are an invaluable resource for our communities. This grant will help provide students in Peoria and Pekin with the tools they need to be successful in the future.”

In all, the secretary of state awarded $559,358.00 in Project Next Generation grants statewide. The money is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Grants are awarded to public libraries that serve low-income and underserved populations.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler issued the following statement Friday after news of the death of Peoria civil rights icon C.T. Vivian:

“Rev. C.T. Vivian was a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement and gave pride to all Peorians because of his Peoria roots. I met him years ago when he spoke in Peoria and came away in awe of his dedication and insight on where we need to be headed as a nation. I thank God for the life of this dedicated man. We need to continue his memory to help inspire future generations.”

C.T. Vivian was a civil rights activist whom Martin Luther King Jr. once described as “the greatest preacher to ever live.” Vivian’s career began in Peoria, where he was hired to work for the Carver Community Center. While at Carver Community Center, Vivian participated in his first civil rights sit-in, where he successfully integrated Barton’s Cafeteria.