PEORIA – Blood centers around the state are facing a decrease in blood donation appointments and cancellation of blood drives due to COVID-19. In response, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is encouraging those willing and able to donate blood.

“During this unprecedented moment, blood donation is more crucial than ever,” Koehler said. “We’re already facing a shortage due to the coronavirus outbreak, and we have to do our part so that those in need of a blood transfusion are taken care of.”

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and has emphasized that individuals are not at risk of contracting COVID-19 from donating blood. There is also no known risk to the safety of the nation’s current blood supply, only the adequacy of the supply at this time.

“Our ask right now is for people to make and keep appointments to help local patients and fight the blood shortage locally," said MVRBC Donor Relations Manager Jim Watts. “We are the sole provider of blood products to all Peoria area hospitals, and it’s of the utmost importance that we ensure that local patients are able to receive the blood products they need.”

Donor centers implemented a disaster plan and are strictly enforcing existing protocol to keep environments safe and healthy for workers and donors. Donor services staff are already required to change gloves between donors and offer hand sanitizer at each station. Additionally, they have expanded existing cleaning and health hygiene practices. Centers are encouraging donors to use the EarlyQ app on the day of donation to take the questionnaire about your health history at home.

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center advises those interested in donating not to give blood if they have been diagnosed with or are being tested for COVID-19, been within six feet of someone who has the virus or is being tested for the virus, or if you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

Donor centers are following recommendations from local, state and federal health agencies to keep staff, volunteers, and donors safe. For questions or concerns, please contact the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center at 800-747-5401 or visit their website.

SPRINGFIELD – Local governments will be able to apply to receive a portion of nearly $80 million in grants to boost economic development and modernize infrastructure in their communities, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Tuesday.

“By offering local governments the chance to invest in themselves, we’re continuing to demonstrate a commitment to downstate,” Koehler said. “When downstate thrives, Illinois thrives.”

Through a competitive selection process, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will distribute funding to local governments to support projects that will help generate jobs, expand economic opportunity and encourage new development.

DCEO has allocated $50 million for public infrastructure investments, $16.5 million for regional economic development projects and $13 million to prepare sites for construction. Potential projects also include improvements to utility lines and waste disposal systems, land and building acquisition, and architectural planning and engineering design.

Applications for public infrastructure grants must be submitted by June 30, but others will be accepted on a rolling basis. Available grants, project guidelines and application materials can be found here.

For additional information on these funds, prospective applicants can visit DCEO’s website here. Interested parties can send questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 217-785-6174.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler offered the following statement Tuesday after President Donald Trump commuted the 14-year prison sentence of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich by after just seven years served:

“As one of 59 votes to remove Rod Blagojevich from office, I stand by that decision. Had he apologized to the people of Illinois for this behavior, I might have more sympathy to him. But he has for a decade exhibited nothing but defiant arrogance and a total unwillingness to own up to what recorded evidence plainly proves he did. I look forward to working with my colleagues this spring to pass a comprehensive ethics reform package that will discourage the likes of Rod Blagojevich from holding office in our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that would ensure the preservation of manufacturing jobs in the Peoria area passed the Senate with bipartisan support yesterday.

“The point of this legislation is simple: to keep good-paying jobs in our area,” Koehler said. “Without this tax exemption there is no question that aviation companies would have to take a long look at doing business elsewhere.”

Peoria is home to Byerly Aviation, a company that offers maintenance, charters and aircraft sales.

This legislation would reinstate the Illinois state sales tax exemption for materials used in aircraft manufacturing, which expired Dec. 31, 2014. Since its expiration, the Illinois Department of Revenue audited several privately owned aviation repair companies and never required them to collect sales tax. The Illinois Aviation Trades Association believes the outstanding tax bill is roughly $50 million.

This legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.