PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler urges area residents to give thanks and appreciation to emergency personnel on First Responders Day, which takes place on Friday, Oct. 28.

“First responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe in an emergency,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “It is not an easy job, and these brave individuals deserve all of our gratitude and thanks.”

This day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

Koehler reminds residents to extend gratitude to first responders year-round for their dedication and remember those lost in the line of duty.

“I wish to offer my highest gratitude to the individuals who keep our communities safe,” Koehler said. “The men and women who protect us have strength and courage, and should be celebrated for all they do.”

Koehler encourages residents to recognize the contributions of first responders in their communities with ceremonies and activities.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is encouraging those who may be the beneficiary of a lost or missing life insurance policy to use the Illinois Department of Insurance’s Life Policy Locator.

“When grieving over a loved one, no one wants to stress over logistics,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “IDOI can help take away the additional stress, time and burden of searching for a lost life insurance policy. If anyone feels they have unclaimed benefits, I urge them to use this service.”

Illinois law requires insurance companies to attempt to find the beneficiaries of deceased policyholders when life insurance proceeds remain unpaid, however the National Association of Insurance Commissioners reports millions of dollars in life insurance benefits remain unclaimed every year. IDOI’s Life Policy Locator can assist consumers who want to begin the search on their own. The Illinois Department of Insurance has helped recipients of life insurance find and collect more than $7.9 million from lost or unclaimed life insurance policies.

Additional sites to find unclaimed life insurance policies are:

• Illinois State Treasurer
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners Life Insurance Policy Locator

“Losing a family member is already hard enough,” Koehler said. “It is important for families to know about these resources so they can take advantage of them and make their lives a little easier.”

September is life insurance awareness month. If you believe you are the beneficiary of an unclaimed policy, please use the above tools to assist you in your search.

PEORIA – Hardworking Illinoisans across the state have already begun to receive financial relief thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan, supported by State Senator Dave Koehler and members of the General Assembly.

“Hardworking people here in Central Illinois and across the state are feeling the strain at the store, at the pump, and on other everyday expenses,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By putting hard-earned money back in the pockets of families across Central Illinois, we’re easing some of their financial burden and offering a well-deserved helping hand.”

Under Senate Bill 157, millions of Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates this fall.

The legislation states that individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three.

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate starting this week – but those who have not filed yet have until Oct. 17 to do so in order to receive their rebate, pending eligibility.

“I’m always proud to support measures that support our families, and I hope these rebates will provide some relief,” Koehler said.

More information on how the funds will be dispersed and qualification criteria is available at tax.illinois.gov/rebates.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced more than $50 million in funding for road and bridge improvement projects across the 46^th District.

“Communities across Central Illinois could not deserve this investment more,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By replacing aging infrastructure and repairing our roads and bridges, we keep our communities connected and help our local economies thrive.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, local communities will see 10 infrastructure projects totaling more than $50 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• $18,400,000 for repairs and replacements on the Bob Michel Bridge
• $2,420,000 for intersection improvement on Camp Street at Riverside Drive.
• $2,000,000 for bridge reconstruction on IL-8/IL-116 at the Cedar Street exit

The multi-year plan has allocated $34.6 billion in construction projects across Illinois over the next six fiscal years.

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“These are roads and bridges we take every day to get to work, go to school, and visit the people we love,” Koehler said. “Not only will this investment make our roadways safer and our community more accessible, but it will create good-paying jobs for years to come.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 46^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.