PEORIA – To further assist in local sanitation efforts to protect against the coronavirus, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) has facilitated the distribution of surface disinfectant supplies to numerous businesses and organizations throughout the Peoria area.

“As we begin to implement the next phase of the Stay at Home order, it’s essential that we equip local businesses, governments, and organizations with the tools necessary to protect against infection,” Koehler said. “Our priority is for our businesses to reopen in a safe environment, and this is a crucial step in that direction. I’d like to thank the East Peoria Fire Department for expanding on their already invaluable service by picking up and distributing these supplies.”

Supplies have been distributed to fire departments, Fulton County services and offices, City Link Bus Service, City of East Peoria services, many school districts, a library, Heartland clinic facilities, several non-profits, and many small businesses.

The disinfectant is a surface cleaner, and comes in five-gallon containers which will include a pouring spout and some spray bottles. There is a 30-day shelf life, so businesses and other interested organizations would need to determine what is necessary for a 30-day supply. Businesses will receive the disinfectant free of charge.

Please reach out to Senator Koehler’s district office at 309-677-0120 if your organization is interested. A limited supply remains, and materials will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

PEORIA— In an effort to help people struggling to pay their student loans during the unprecedented economic challenges facing the state and country, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) highlighted relief options that could benefit nearly 140,000 Illinoisans.

“It’s no secret that people across the state are facing a great deal of uncertainty regarding their futures,” Koehler said. “Adding student loan payments to the already heavy burden that has been placed on their shoulders doesn’t sit well with me, and I’m glad that the State of Illinois has prioritized offering relief to those who are anxious about these looming payments. I urge those who have been impacted to reach out to their loan providers to discuss alternate repayment options.”

Under the initiative, spearheaded by Gov. JB Pritzker and Secretary Deborah Hagan of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, people with commercially-owned Federal Family Education Program Loans or privately held student loans who are having a hard time making their payments due to COVID-19 will be eligible for expanded relief.

Borrowers who need assistance are asked to immediately contact their student loan provider to set up a plan.

Relief options are based on a person’s individual needs and include:

• Providing a minimum of 90 days of forbearance,
• Waiving late payment fees,
• Ensuring that no borrower is subject to negative credit reporting,
• Ceasing debt collection lawsuits for 90 days,
• Working with borrower to enroll them in other borrower assistance programs, such as income-based repayment.

If a person is having problems contacting their student loan servicer, they can contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Banking at 217-785-2900 or the attorney general’s student loan helpline at 1-800-455-2456.

PEORIA – To provide a boost in community sanitation efforts, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is offering local businesses and organizations an opportunity to acquire a supply of disinfectant from Patho Sans, a company based in Glendale Heights, Illinois.

“Because our new normal requires us to be proactive, it’s essential to provide businesses and other community organizations with the tools to maintain a sanitary work space,” Koehler said. “In addition to providing surface disinfectant, my office is seeking donations of hand sanitizer, masks and other personal protective equipment. Anyone who has an abundance of these materials is being urged to contact my office so we can get them in the hands of those in need.”

The disinfectant is a surface cleaner and comes in five-gallon containers, which will include a pouring spout and some spray bottles. There is a 30-day shelf life, so businesses and other interested organizations would need to determine what is necessary for a 30-day supply.

Please reach out to Senator Koehler’s district office at 309-677-0120 if your organization is interested. There is a limited supply, and materials will be provided on a first come first serve basis.

PEORIA–Citing the widespread effect it will have on funding for everything from infrastructure projects to school funding, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) urged residents to take time to complete the census Friday.

“In order for our communities to receive the crucial federal funding we rely on, we must make sure every single person is accounted for,” Koehler said. “If the only people responding are in the middle and upper class, that’s where the funding is going to go. We need to make sure those who live in communities that may be struggling are represented fairly. I urge everyone to take part in this process so we have an accurate census count and can give our communities a much-needed boost from adequate federal funding.”

The census is safe, secure and confidential. A letter residents should have received in the mail contains their household’s Census ID number, which is used when filling out the census online at my2020census.gov.

Responses will help each community — from influencing highway planning to determining how money is distributed to public school programs. By filling out the census, residents help ensure their communities get the resources they need.