NORTH PEKIN – A state highway was renamed in honor of a fallen Tazewell County soldier today. Part of Route 98 was renamed the “Sgt. Dean Russell Shaffer Memorial Highway” after two Peoria area lawmakers passed a resolution at the General Assembly this Spring.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) introduced Senate Joint Resolution 20 with State Representative Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) to honor Sgt. Dean Shaffer, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012.

Sgt. Shaffer was a graduate of Pekin Community High School and was serving with the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division when the Black Hawk helicopter he was on crashed during a medivac mission in Helmand Province, killing all on board. Sgt. Shaffer had previously been deployed to Iraq.

“Soldiers like Sergeant Shaffer gave what Lincoln called their ‘last full measure of devotion’ to their country,” said Koehler. “The least we can do is show their families that we truly appreciate the ultimate sacrifice they have made while serving our country.”

Sgt. Shaffer was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan. Sgt. Shaffer was 23 years old when he died.

"This new law will bring transparency to consumers and guarantee they are armed with enough information to make a well-informed decision.” - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

PEORIA – Legislation protecting consumers from deceptive leases was signed into law last week. Senate Bill 885 will protect renters from “rent-to-own” schemes that are often fraught with deceptive terms and conditions.

In a survey conducted by Housing Action Illinois, only 12% of housing counselors reported they believed people considering rent-to-own home ownership opportunities understand the differences between rent-to-own and home ownership with a mortgage.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) sponsored the Installment Sales Contract Act and issued the following statement:

“Deceptive lending practices are a recipe for financial disaster. Rent-to-own leases are often misleading and hit consumers with ballooning costs and hidden fees. This new law will bring transparency to consumers and guarantee they are armed with enough information to make a well-informed decision.”

Under the new law, renters who enter into rent-to-own contracts must be given information such a schedule of payments and a record of the contract. The law also expands eligibility for foreclosure protections and prohibits prepayment penalties.

The legislation was carried in the House of Representatives by Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria).

The new law takes effect January 1, 2018.

“We should take steps to reduce regulations without compromising consumer safety.” - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

PEORIA – A redundant food handling certificate is no longer required thanks to House Bill 3684, which was signed into law last week by the governor.

Previously, the Illinois Department of Public Health required workers to complete an approved training program and pass an exam provided by an accredited exam provider.

Upon completion of the exam, workers would receive a certificate from the accredited provider. An electronic copy of that certificate and a $35 fee were then sent to the state for an Illinois specific certificate.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) sponsored HB 3684, which eliminates both the redundant state certificate and the fee.

“This certificate was simply a well intentioned safety precaution that created an unnecessary burden on small business owners and workers,” Koehler said. “We should take steps to reduce regulations without compromising consumer safety.”

The measure unanimously passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly.