SPRINGFIELD – Lawmakers heard new Gov. JB Pritzker’s plans to fund state government through 2020 today.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement after the address:

“I think the governor’s budget is an important marker for what it’s going to take to the return the state budget to what it should be. I think it clearly lays out our values by increasing funding for both K-12 and higher education while also starting important conversations on how to deal with a pension system that consumes a fifth of our budget.

“I still have many questions about how this budget will affect Central Illinois and I’m confident this new administration will work with us, not against us, to get this done right.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation inspired by a Peoria-area veteran advanced out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee today.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is the chief co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1127, which requires airports in Illinois to fly the POW/MIA flag.

“Honoring our veterans with public displays is crucial for younger generations to understand and remember their sacrifices,” Koehler said. “This legislation is just one small step we can take to show our veterans that we have not forgotten them.”

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 before the whole Senate for a vote.

Sign up is underway for the Spring Yard Clean ups offered to Veterans by the Illinois Valley Fuller Center for Housing.

March 30 volunteers will be raking yards for a maximum of 2 hours. Volunteers are also needed to help with the raking.

If you are interested in signing up to volunteer or are a Veteran who is in need of your yard raked, call 309-363-3737.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) agrees that more must be done to protect the environment from climate change after Gov. JB Pritzker today signed an executive order relating to the environment.

“If we don’t do anything to reduce our carbon emissions, we are eventually going reach the point of no return,” Koehler said. “Gov. Pritzker is right to continue this fight and I look forward to working with him to expand green energy production and green energy jobs in Illinois.”

Pritzker signed an executive order directing the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to monitor dangerous federal changes to environmental regulations to guarantee that Illinois residents remain safe. The executive order also brings Illinois into the U.S. Climate Alliance.

Koehler previously served as the chair of the Senate’s Environment and Conservation Committee before being promoted to Assistant Majority Leader this month.