PEORIA – To improve statewide pediatric emergency and disaster readiness capabilities, State Senator Dave Koehler announced a $249,000 grant was awarded to OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. 

“Investing in our health care system is important for patients’ outcomes, whether it be for children’s routine care or pediatric emergency care,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Peoria’s location plays a vital role in Central Illinois with rural and urban communities. I look forward to expanding the resources and care OSF Children’s Hospital has to offer.”

Administered through the Illinois Department of Public Health, OSF Children’s Hospital received a $249,000 grant to conduct assessments of disaster plans at more than 30 Illinois hospitals, focusing on the inclusion of pediatric components to those plans. The hospital will develop resources and educational materials as well as share best practices that can be used to address identified gaps and disparities in that care.

PEORIA – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments that are possible due to strong support from State Senator Dave Koehler, multiple projects in the Peoria area are complete, planned or underway. 

“We continue to see the much-needed improvements the historic Rebuild Illinois program delivers, promoting economic development and creating jobs right here in our neighborhoods,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Our commitment to invest in everyday infrastructure continues to better the lives of residents across the state. Peoria drivers deserve safe, reliable roads and that’s what they will see with these strong investments.”

The Rebuild Illinois program invests over $33 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system. Eight major projects in the Peoria area received over $270 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region. Of the eight major projects, six are scheduled to be completed this year, with the remaining two in the fall of 2024.

PEORIA – With strong support from State Senator Dave Koehler, a total of $670,000 was awarded to 17 businesses in the Peoria and Bloomington areas in an effort to uplift and support the restaurant industry. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Throughout the pandemic, restaurants struggled to keep their doors open. We made a commitment to invest and uplift the small businesses that provide essential jobs and boost our local economies.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has provided over $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler passed a law that requires insurance providers to cover hearing aids and related services for people of all ages.

“Illinoisans shouldn’t have to pay ridiculous fees for something that is necessary for their health and well-being,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “These devices make daily routines attainable and allow a high quality of life for those who are hard of hearing.”

House Bill 2443 builds upon the 2018 Koehler-supported measure that required insurance to cover hearing aids for children under the age of 18. Koehler’s measure expands on that by requiring insurers to provide coverage for everyone if their doctor prescribes a hearing instrument, which can cost up to $4,000.

“Prescription medication is covered by your insurance, so why aren’t hearing devices that our hearing professional prescribes?” said Koehler. “This law makes these devices accessible for everyone and eliminates the chance that someone would not be able to afford them.” 

House Bill 2443 was signed into law Friday and will take effect Jan. 1, 2025.