SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading an initiative to establish the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission to preserve Illinois' history and honor the legacy of freedom seekers.

“This is an opportunity to recognize the courage of those who sought freedom and to educate future generations about Illinois’ role in the Underground Railroad,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By identifying and preserving these historic sites, we can ensure their stories are never forgotten.”

Senate Bill 1607 would create the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission, which would be tasked with researching, commemorating and promoting sites significant to the journey of freedom seekers in Illinois. The commission would work to establish educational initiatives, preserve historical landmarks, and administer grants to support these efforts.

Under this legislation, the commission would also be required to submit an annual report to the governor and the General Assembly detailing its findings and recommendations for further preservation and education efforts.

“By investing in our history, we are investing in our future,” said Koehler. “The stories of those who traveled through Illinois in search of freedom deserve to be told, and this commission will work towards making sure that happens.”

Senate Bill 1607 passed Senate State Government Committee Thursday.

SPRINGFEILD- State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) released the following statement after the governor outlined his proposal for Fiscal Year 2026:

“As we navigate a challenging budget landscape, it's imperative that we prioritize our investments to serve the most pressing needs of our communities.

“We must focus on areas that will have the most significant impact, such as our schools and universities, and we must support our workforce and job training programs. At the same time, we need to ensure access to affordable health care, invest in infrastructure improvements, and expand resources for public safety and mental health services. By making strategic decisions, we can uphold our commitment to fiscal responsibility while creating growth and stability in Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, and beyond.”

$6.5 million in state funding is available to help law enforcement agencies recruit and retain talent

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) announced $6.5 million is available in competitive funding for the Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant. This grant aims to increase the quantity and quality of police officer recruitment programs across the State while also offering incentives to support officer retention. Units of local government, public institutions of higher education, and qualified nonprofit entities may apply for this funding.

“ILETSB remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies as they build strong, effective teams,” said Keith Calloway, Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “This grant addresses recruitment challenges and invests in retaining experienced officers who are essential to community safety, and we strongly encourage all eligible entities to apply for this funding.”

For many law enforcement agencies, the costs of developing and implementing successful recruitment and retention programs remains a challenge. To address this challenge, the Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant will offer advance payments, reimbursements, and working capital advance opportunities to support:

• Recruitment initiatives tailored to individual agency needs
• Innovative programs designed to retain experienced officers
• Community policing efforts that bolster law enforcement teams

Agencies must fulfill specific requirements outlined in the application guidelines. ILETSB encourages all eligible agencies to apply for this important funding opportunity.

Applications must be submitted by February 1, 2025. For more information or how to apply visit Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board - FY 25 ILETSB - Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant.

Agencies with questions or requiring assistance can email ptb.grants@illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – Advocating for environmental protections, protecting family farms, supporting working families and strengthening organized labor are major priorities for State Senator Dave Koehler, who was sworn in to his seventh term Wednesday.

“I am humbled to represent the people of the greater Peoria and Bloomington-Normal areas, and I do not take the trust and responsibility of this position lightly,” said Koehler. “I will continue to work to earn their trust and fight for the needs of the community.”