“This two-year impasse has been long enough; it is time to act.” -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate voted to pass parts of a comprehensive package of legislation meant to end the historic two-year budget impasse. The legislation, commonly known as the “Grand Bargain,” was the result of months of negotiations between Senate President John Cullerton and Minority Leader Christine Radogno.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) voted for the legislation.

“The people contacting my office have made it clear that they want us to do our jobs and pass a budget,” Koehler said. “This two-year impasse has been long enough; it is time to act.”

The measures in the “Grand Bargain” include a plan to address the state’s budget deficit, local government consolidation measures and a budget for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The Senate passed the "Grand Bargain" after Governor Bruce Rauner failed to submit a balanced budget to the General Assembly, something the state constitution requires.

“Bob Michel['s]... values of civility, compromise and compassion will be remembered by his ability to work across the aisle to do what was best for his district and the country.” -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

PEORIA – Long time Peoria Congressman Robert “Bob” Michel has passed away at the age of 93. Michel represented Central Illinois in Congress for 38 years and also served as the Republican leader for 14 years. State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), whose district includes Michel’s hometown of Peoria, issued the following statement:

“Bob Michel was a titan of Central Illinois politics. His Midwestern values of civility, compromise and compassion will be remembered by his ability to work across the aisle to do what was best for his district and the country.”

Michel served in the army during World War II in the 39th Infantry Regiment. During the war he participated in the D-Day landings at Normandy and was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge.

"This isn't about special interests anymore; this is about the state of Illinois." -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD - Members of the General Assembly gathered to hear the governor’s annual budget address today. The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature every fiscal year.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:

"What I heard today was bits and pieces of a budget. I am interested in seeing the whole thing. What is clear is we need a budget now. This isn't about special interests anymore; this is about the state of Illinois."

Illinois has been stuck in a two-year political stalemate, causing chaos among social service providers, universities and community colleges.

"I will not stop fighting to find a reasonable and pragmatic solution that digs Illinois out of the current hole it is in." -State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement regarding the "Grand Bargain" votes:

"The Illinois Senate began voting on parts of the grand bargain package that President Cullerton and Minority Leader Radogno have spent countless hours working on. Despite his public claims that he is for the legislation, it is becoming increasingly clear the governor does not approve of the Senate’s plan to end two years of political deadlock. Unfortunately, it appears that our Republican colleagues are not ready to vote to end this historic impasse."

"I am greatly disappointed that we were unable to secure bipartisan votes for pieces of legislation that Republican members openly stated on the floor that they were in favor of. The point of compromise is to come together and identify a solution that has a little bit for everyone. This package of legislation does exactly that."

"While the future of this grand bargain package is unknown at the present, I will not stop fighting to find a reasonable and pragmatic solution that digs Illinois out of the current hole it is in."