PEORIA – Alongside a number of local officials at a press conference Monday, State Senator Dave Koehler outlined his measure that will bring awareness of the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois through the creation of a task force.

“This bill continues Illinois’ path as a beacon of hope for women and people of color,” said Koehler (D – Peoria) “The more we understand the significance the Underground Railroad had throughout the state, the more opportunities our children are able to learn of its importance, and the consequences slavery had throughout our nation.”

Senate Bill 1623 would establish the Underground Railroad Task Force. The group would develop a statewide plan to connect existing local projects and new projects to create a cohesive statewide history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, while developing new educational and tourism opportunities.

The press conference was in the same cemetery where Moses Pettingill is buried in in Peoria. Pettingill was a significant figure in the Illinois Underground Railroad, helping countless slaves cross the Illinois River in search of freedom. He is credited as founder of Peoria’s Underground Railroad.

Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman – who spearheaded the measure – was among those who spoke.

“Currently, there are many regional landmarks of the Underground Railroad throughout the state, but there is really no way of connecting them together," said Ackerman. “This task force give us the ability to tie all of these regional pockets together to tell the story of just how long the path the Underground Rail Road was in Illinois, and the lengths that abolitionists and slaves took in search of freedom.”

This bipartisan effort will focus on identifying where historical sites are located, connections they may have to one another, and will illustrate the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

Senate Bill 1623 passed the Senate State Government Committee last week. It now awaits a hearing before the full Senate.

BLOOMINGTON – State Senator Dave Koehler is inviting the community to join him at an Open House at his new Bloomington-Normal office Friday March 3 from 10-11 a.m.

“I am excited be working in the Bloomington-Normal area,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “Bloomington-Normal has a lot of new and exciting opportunities for residents of our community. This office provides me the opportunity to meet with you and offer aid and assistance with the operations of the state.”

The public is welcome to stop by and chat with the Senator and tour the office. The office marks the beginning of his representation of the greater Bloomington-Normal area.

The new office is located at 216 N Center St. in Bloomington, right across the street from the McLean County Museum of History.

Senator Koehler’s offices are run by his chief of staff, Jennifer Allison, who is based in his Peoria-area office. In the new Bloomington office, Joshua Crockett will be working as Koehler’s director of constituent outreach. In Springfield, Aaron Tebrinke is working as Koehler’s legislative assistant. People can contact any of these offices to see if they can be of assistance.

The Bloomington-Normal Office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Appointments are not required, but are encouraged as the district office staff is often out at events. Appointments can be made by calling Koehler’s Bloomington office at 309-808-2345.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading a measure to bring awareness of the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois through the creation of a task force.

“This task force will highlight the rich history the Underground Railroad has in Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The Underground Railroad is a symbol of determination in search of freedom and justice for African Americans throughout the 1800s.”

Senate Bill 1623 would establish the Underground Railroad Task Force. The group would develop a statewide plan to connect existing local projects and new projects to create a cohesive statewide history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, while developing new educational and tourism opportunities.

This bill was initiated by Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman. This bipartisan effort will focus on identifying where historical sites are located, connections they may have to one another, and will illustrate the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

“This task force will provide new opportunities to teach our children how slavery impacted our state, and how leaders throughout Illinois took charge to help slaves find freedom,” said Koehler. “These opportunities give our schools the ability to teach students the severity and consequences slavery had on our state and nation.”

Senate Bill 1623 passed the Senate State Government Committee Wednesday. It now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Survivors of sexual assault often do not seek medical treatment because of fear law enforcement will immediately be notified, causing potential harm or retaliation from their abuser. State Senator Dave Koehler is leading a measure to make survivors feel more comfortable receiving care by allowing them to choose to delay reporting.

“Survivors of sexual assault should feel comfortable seeking the care they need,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “By allowing survivors the ability to see a doctor without immediately reporting the assault, we will make them feel safer – leading to more people receiving the medical attention they need.”

Senate Bill 333 would allow survivors of sexual assault to give or refuse consent to notify the police immediately. If they refuse, the police will be notified once the treatment has ended. The measure would also allow the patient to protect his or her identity in the police report.

“Sexual assault survivors already feel a great deal of betrayal and violation – the last thing they need is for those feelings to be exacerbated when they receive treatment,” said Koehler. “We must ensure survivors feel the comfort and safety they need.”

The measure passed the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety Wednesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

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