Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez are pleased to announce an innovative funding opportunity specifically addressing Illinois fire departments impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total amount of $1 million will be available to assist approximately 80 impacted fire departments that operate in diverse communities throughout the state. Under this one time grant opportunity, eligible Illinois fire departments could receive up to $15,000 in order to make up for lost donation revenues stemming from their inability to host local fundraising events during the periods of quarantines occurring in 2020. These fundraising events include pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners, and pay for necessities like fuel for fire trucks, utilities, and insurance.

In order to be eligible for the assistance grant the applying fire department must:

1. Be an Illinois combination or volunteer fire department;
2. Operate within a jurisdiction with a population at or less than 7,500 people;
3. Have an approved annual budget at or less than $150,000;
4. Have an OSFM Fire Department Identification Number; and
5. Be current with their National Fire Incident Reporting System reports at the time of application

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is pleased to collaborate with the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association who will empanel a special committee to review the grant applications utilizing a blind review needs based analysis. The OSFM will facilitate and directly oversee the distribution of the grant awards to the lucky recipients. This grant is financed through the Illinois Fire Prevention Fund, a non-general revenue fund that is supported primarily by a 1% assessment of the gross fire risk premium receipts of all insurance companies operating in the state.
All grant applications must be received by August 13, 2021.

The application review process will begin on August 23, 2021 and end on September 3, 2021. Grant recipients are expected to receive awards by October, 2021.

The Illinois Fire Department COVID-19 Assistance Grant application can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) to address the backlog of FOID card applications, which negatively affects responsible gun owners, passed out of the House on Wednesday.

“The backlog of FOID applications creates unnecessary hassles for responsible gun owners—a concern which has been raised to me by many people,” Koehler said. “It also creates extra work for the Illinois State Police, whose first priority should be keeping firearms out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves and others.”

The measure would help keep communities safe by enhancing existing background check protocols. Safe and responsible gun owners will have the option to voluntarily submit fingerprints to the Illinois State Police in order to obtain automatic renewals on their cards. Electronic copies of both FOID cards and concealed carry licenses will also be made available to make it easier for lawful gun owners to keep their license with them at all times.

“We have to keep our communities safe by preventing guns from falling into dangerous hands, while at the same time not infringing on the rights of responsible gun owners,” Koehler said. “This legislation helps achieve both goals.”

House Bill 562 passed the House with 75 votes.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the passage of the state budget out of the Senate Monday morning, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) released the following statement:

“The budget makes urgently needed investments in our local economies to help small businesses not just recover, but grow and thrive. To set Illinois families up for success in the long term, the state will also keep its promise to fully fund our public schools—a necessity, especially in light of the tremendous work put in by students and teachers alike over the past year.

“I am proud to have voted for a budget that puts local needs first.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) co-sponsored legislation lowering trailer registration fees from $118 to $36 that passed out of the Senate on Monday.

“People in my district and all across the state have struggled under disproportionately high trailer registration fees,” Koehler said. “I receive many calls from constituents on this particular issue, and I’m proud to be able to bring their concerns to the table in Springfield.”

The legislation designated all trailers that weigh 3,000 pounds or less “utility trailers” and sets the registration fee for said utility trailers at $36. This applies only to trailers primarily for personal use. If signed into law, the bill would also repeal the $10,000 cap on the trade-in vehicle sales tax credit and increase the private vehicle tax by $75 for each model year where the purchase price is less than $15,000 and $100 if the purchase price is above $15,000.

“I’m glad to be able to bring a solution to those who have expressed concern about this issue and I urge Governor Pritzker to sign this legislation into law,” Koehler said.

Senate Bill 58 passed with 58 votes.