PEORIA – A number of libraries in the 46^th District will soon receive upgrades to services as a result of more than $363,000 in state grants, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced.

“Libraries provide our communities with a wide range of resources beyond lending books and movies,” Koehler said. “Many people rely on libraries for access to the internet or to be able to use computers and printers. It’s critical that we provide our libraries with the support they need to keep offering these resources.”

The $363,000 received by 12 local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.

“When we supply libraries with adequate funding, they are better equipped to serve our communities,” Koehler said. “As the needs of residents expand and change, the services offered by our libraries will as well, thanks to these grants.”

The following libraries will receive funds:

• Alpha Park Public Library District, $41,943
• Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library, $21,688
• Creve Coeur Public Library District, $8,040
• Spoon River Library District, $5,084
• Fondulac Public Library District, $33,562
• Farmington Area Library District, $10,354
• Lewistown Carnegie Public Library District, $7,984
• Marquette Heights Public Library, $4,165
• Pekin Public Library, $50,288
• Peoria Public Library, $169,635
• Peoria Heights Public Library, $9,080
• South Pekin Public Library, $1,690

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the passage of energy policy that would save and create jobs and place Illinois at the forefront of clean energy in the U.S., State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:

“This legislation will protect union jobs across the state, as well as create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs in the clean energy sector. I am thankful to all those who came to the table and made compromises in the name of moving Illinois toward a carbon-free future.

“This plan would make Illinois a national leader in energy policy and accelerate the transition away from carbon-based energy in Illinois.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to shape energy policy that is best for Illinoisans and for the environment.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) was signed into law Friday expanding the venues where home-cooked food operations may sell their products.

“Especially in light of hardships faced across the state due to the pandemic, we need to be expanding opportunities for Illinoisans to create extra income, not limiting them,” Koehler said. “If even one family is more able to make ends meet as a result of this legislation, it will have served its purpose."

Cottage food operations are vendors that prepare products in a home kitchen. Senate Bill 2007 permits cottage food operations to sell their products at farmers’ markets, fairs, festivals or public events, as well as online. This legislation would require these entrepreneurs to submit recipes and food safety plans to local public health departments in order to be permitted to sell their products to the public. It also sets a framework for the Illinois Department of Public Health to provide statewide guidance on how to regulate cottage foods to local health departments.

“Not only does this law have the potential to increase income for families here in Illinois, it will help us preserve the history of our communities as well,” Koehler said. “Many of the recipes used by these home cooks may have been passed down for generations, and we want to ensure that they are able to share that bit of history.”

The law will go into effect January 1, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that extends the timeline on two tax increment financing districts in the City of Peoria, as well as several others throughout the state, was signed into law Friday.

“When we invest in our cities, we invest directly in our residents,” Koehler said. “Pieces of legislation like this one offer a second chance to those areas that have not seen investment or growth in far too long.”

The City of Peoria currently has two active TIF districts, set to expire December 31, 2030 and December 31, 2031. This legislation would extend the expiration of all TIF districts from 23 to 35 years, meaning that Peoria's districts would expire in 2042 and 2043. TIF districts are areas within cities designated for improvement, with specific criteria that must be met to qualify. The designated district reallocates funds from property taxes in an effort to bring in new investment. Other Illinois cities that will also benefit from TIF extensions are Effingham, Polo, Bellwood, Joliet, Chicago, Plainfield, Springfield, Cahokia, Charleston, Beardstown, Cicero, East St. Louis, Gardner and East Peoria.

“Encouraging new investment in these areas means that the City of Peoria will be strong and dynamic for years to come,” Koehler said.

Senate Bill 1822 will take effect immediately.