SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate voted today to ask the voters if the state should change the way it taxes income.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) joined his colleagues in supporting Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1, which would allow the state to implement a fair tax system.

“A minimum wage worker in the Peoria area shouldn’t pay the same tax rate as a millionaire,” Koehler said. “By adopting this amendment, we can make the needed changes to keep our budget balanced and invest in needed improvements to our infrastructure, schools and colleges.”

Under the current Illinois Constitution adopted in 1970, income can only be taxed at a flat rate, meaning a person making $25,000 a year pays the same tax rate as a person making $1 million. Of the 41 states with income taxes, only 9 have a flat tax. The rest tax income at a graduated rate, meaning higher income earners pay higher rates.

“Under the proposed rates of Senate Bill 687, 99.2% of my district will get a tax break or pay the same,” Koehler added.

SJRCA 1 passed the Senate and now goes onto the Illinois House.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation intended to protect the credit card and bank account numbers of government entities was passed by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) today.

“This is one of those pieces of legislation that is hard to believe needed to happen,” Koehler said. “We must take every precaution to protect these credit cards from getting misused or worse, stolen.”

The legislation, Senate Bill 1712, would exempt credit card numbers, debit card numbers, bank account numbers, Federal Employer Identification Number, security code numbers, passwords, and similar account information from Freedom of Information Act Requests if it is believed the disclosure could result in identity theft or the defrauding of a government entity.

SB 1712 passed the Senate unanimously and now goes to the House of Representatives.

SPRINGFIELD – Local government entities and other organizations in Central Illinois will have the chance to share their thoughts this April on a potential infrastructure plan for the state at a hearing for the Transportation Subcommittee on Capital.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) pushed for Peoria to be included in a statewide tour of hearings to highlight local infrastructure needs.

“I’m glad that the Peoria area will get the chance to show what projects are needed and how they can have a positive effect on jobs and the economy,” Koehler said. “I invite any local groups that wish to express interest in testifying or submitting written testimony to reach out to my office.”

Anyone wishing to express interest in testifying or submit testimony is encouraged to email the senator’s office with their name and organization at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The hearing will take place on April 8th at the Peplow Pavilion in the Hayden-Clark Alumni Center located on the campus of Bradley University.

SPRINGFIELD – The POW/MIA flag will be flown at all Illinois public airports under legislation that passed the Illinois Senate today.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), the chief co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1127, was joined by members of the American Legion Post #2 in Peoria today for the bill’s passage.

“This legislation sends a clear message to our veterans that they and their comrades are not forgotten,” Koehler said. “I am proud to have been able to work with the Peoria American Legion post, Gary Hall and others to get this done.”

The idea was brought to Springfield by Peoria-area veteran Gary Hall, who wanted the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport to fly the POW/MIA flag under the American flag. Airport officials said their hands were tied legally and would be unable to fly the flag.

The measure now goes to the House of Representatives.