SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State address on Wednesday, State Senator Dave Koehler released the following statement:

“Ensuring our downstate communities continue to prosper is of the utmost importance. By passing meaningful property tax reform, creating jobs by implementing the $45 billion infrastructure plan and assisting small businesses ahead of future minimum wage increases we will provide fiscal stability for our communities. I look forward to working with Governor Pritzker as we continue our fight to increase economic security for downstate families.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following the signing of legislation to combat skyrocketing costs of prescription insulin, State Senator Dave Koehler offered the following statement:

“For far too long, people who need this medication to survive have been forced to make the impossible choice between food and housing or prescription medication,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “This life saving medication should be available at a cost that will not break the bank, and with this new law we’re making this a reality for Illinoisans.”

The price of insulin has drastically increased in the United States in the past several years. According to a 2016 analysis, the price of the drug tripled between 2002 and 2013.

1.3 million Illinoisans are living with diabetes and rely on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. Price increases have left many of them struggling to pay for the drug, and at-risk of deadly consequences.

“This truly is common sense legislation, and I’m incredibly proud to have advocated on its behalf,” Koehler said.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the election of a new Senate President, State Senator Dave Koehler offered the following statement:

“I’d like to offer sincere congratulations to President Harmon on the outcome of today’s election,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “Since I’ve known President Harmon he’s demonstrated a fierce commitment to his constituents and to his colleagues, always finding a way to reach a consensus on how to best serve the people of Illinois.”

Lawmakers will return to Springfield on Jan. 28 for the beginning of the spring legislative session.

“With the election behind us, I’m excited to turn my focus to the spring legislative session,” Koehler said. “Between property tax reform, implementation of the infrastructure plan, ethics reform and assisting local communities that have been impacted by power plant closures, there is no shortage of issues our state is facing. The tasks ahead may be difficult, but I’m excited to continue working on behalf of the people in my district.”

SPRINGFIELD – To invest in water system improvements in the community, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development has awarded the City of Farmington $500,000 in the form of Community Development Block Grant, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced today.

“Thanks to this program, Farmington is at long last being given a chance to make necessary upgrades to outdated water infrastructure. I’m excited to follow this project’s development,” Koehler said.

The Community Development Block Grant program is a federally funded initiative designed to support community development activities such as affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development.

“We are very pleased and appreciative that the City of Farmington has received this much-needed Community Development Block Grant to line a large portion of our sewer lines in the west side of town,” Farmington Mayor Kent Kowal said. “While this project is not as glamorous as new curbs, sidewalks, or our new street lights, it is a vital project for the city especially for those living in neighborhoods with outdated sewers desperately in need of attention. I would like to convey our sincere thanks to Western Illinois Regional Council for the grant and to Maurer-Stutz for their valuable assistance.”