SPRINGFIELD – Drug manufacturers and distributors will now be unable to spike the costs of generic medication thanks to a law spearheaded by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Every Illinoisan deserves affordable access to necessary medication,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law prevents companies from robbing residents just for an extra buck.”

House Bill 3957 creates the Illinois Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act, which prohibits manufacturers and distributors from engaging in price gouging of essential off-patent and generic medication.

“We need to stake a stand for our residents and prohibit companies from these manipulative schemes,” said Koehler. “There should never be a situation when someone has to decide between picking up their medication or groceries for their family.”

House Bill 3957 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

PEORIA – With strong support from State Senator Dave Koehler, Peoria Public Schools District 150 is set to receive $50,000 to enhance foreign language education in schools. 

“Investing in our school’s curriculum gives students a broad range of knowledge that will help pave the way for a bright future,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Foreign language courses are essential for a well-rounded education. The more knowledge students have, the more they will be equipped for every opportunity for years to come.”

The Illinois Arts Council Agency and Illinois State Board of Education awarded 13 grants to districts and schools across the state to assist with the development and enhancement of curricular programs in the arts or foreign language.

Peoria Pubic Schools District 150 was awarded $50,000 to introduce, strengthen and expand instruction in foreign language education. The grant aims to ensure that foreign language becomes part of the school’s core curriculum.

“Peoria schools will be able to implement and expand foreign language courses with this funding,” said Koehler. “We have to continue investing in our students as they are the leaders of tomorrow.”

More information about the Arts and Foreign Language Education Grants can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler passed a law to highlight future career opportunities for children living with disabilities.

“Children living with disabilities and their families often feel as if there aren’t many job opportunities after graduation,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). This new law will empower children living with disabilities with opportunities to be successful in our state’s workforce.”

Under House Bill 3224, students with individualized education plans – or IEPs – and their parents will be provided information on the school district’s career and technical education and dual credit opportunities.

According to the National School Boards Association 2019 analysis, students living with disabilities who were in career and technical educational programs had an 89% graduation rate nationwide during the previous school year, which was 20% higher than the disabled student graduation rate overall.

“All students deserve the opportunity to be successful,” said Koehler (D- Peoria). “This law gives students and their parents a clear understanding of the opportunities that are open to them after graduation.”

House Bill 3224 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.

Penicillium! In 2021, I spearheaded a measure to make this the official state microbe. Now, it's a question on last night's Jeopardy!