State Senator Dave Koehler issued the following response to Governor Bruce Rauner's first budget proposal. Rauner's plan provides a slight increase to preschool-12th grade education and prisons, while reducing – in some cases greatly – most other state spending.

"I realize that the governor had a huge task in developing this budget plan, and I am still trying to find something I can support. So many of the cuts he proposes will devastate middle-class and working families, so my concern is where is the shared sacrifice?

"If this proposal became law, we would see higher property taxes, higher tuition costs, fewer education programs that prepare our citizens for careers and college, and the end of programs that literally save people's lives. The one thing I can agree with is that we need to stop reeling from budget crisis to budget crisis year after year. I just don't agree that this is the right path.

"I hope we can work with the governor to craft a budget that makes Illinois competitive without losing all compassion for working and middle-class families."

SPRINGFIELD – To help ensure that Illinois' state government reflects the will of the people, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) voted in support of legislation to create a special election whenever a statewide office is going to be vacant for more than two years.

"One of the core principles of our democracy is letting the people decide who will represent them and manage their government," Koehler said. "We have a responsibility to allow voters to choose who represents them as their attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller, if one of those offices becomes vacant."

Any vacancy in any of those offices that occurs with more than 28 months remaining in the term would cause a special election at the next general election. Because the special election would coincide with the general election, it would come at no additional cost to taxpayers.

The legislation is House Bill 4567. It now goes to the governor for his approval.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement about the passing of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka:

"Illinois has lost a giant. Judy Baar Topinka was unique among elected officials. She had an independent spirit that was refreshing. People on both sides of the aisle had great respect for her. In a time when bipartisanship is so sorely needed, she will indeed be missed."

State Senator Dave Koehler joined representatives from the governor's office, Fulton County and the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development to announce that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is opening nearly 4,400 acres for new hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.

The land is part of 14,000 acres that the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago purchased in 1970 to dispose of safe, non-toxic debris by restoring strip-mined land. Today, the site is home to a healthy herd of deer, wild turkey, quail, waterfowl and more.

"One of Illinois' best-kept secrets is that Fulton County has amazing lakes, rivers and other outdoor spaces. To people in Fulton County, it's not a secret," said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). "I hope that this expanded public recreation area will not only be a great resource to local residents, but also bring outdoors enthusiasts to the area who will spend money and help support the local economy. I want to thank Governor Quinn and everyone else who helped make this vision a reality."

The new recreation area will complement the existing Fulton County Camping and Recreation Area by giving visitors even more opportunities for outdoor recreation. In addition to the campsite and recreation area managed by the county government, the area is home to Banner Marsh, Rice Lake, and Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Areas.