SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler supported a measure that provides additional funding toward modernizing and streamlining the FOID card process.

“This funding allows the FOID Card Review Board to receive the funding they need to protect Illinois residents from those who are a danger to others, while protecting the second amendment rights of the everyday person” said Koehler (D – Peoria).  “Ensuring lawful gun owners’ rights are protected has always been a top priority for me.”

Koehler led a FOID card modernization measure that tracks stolen firearms, as well as criminal history and mental health disabilities. The $500,000 in new funds through the Senate’s supplemental budget bill will provide the Illinois State Police with the tools it needs to fully implement the law.

The supplemental budget – found within House Bill 969 – also prioritizes fiscal responsibility through putting additional funding in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. The bill also appropriates $400 million into the Closing Fund to help lure big employers to Illinois– making the fund stand out by offering more incentives to attract companies.

“Building upon the responsible spending decisions and balanced budgets of the last few years, the state was able to pay off our bills, saw our credit rating improve and found itself with a sizeable surplus. We spent much of the additional funds by putting $1.83 billion back in taxpayers’ pockets and still saw ourselves with a surplus” said Koehler. “We took this additional money and put it toward even more good – prioritizing the people and organizations that need it most.”

House Bill 969 passed the Senate Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD – Central Illinois residents will soon be able to receive a rebate on their monthly energy bill, thanks to a measure led by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Energy prices are increasing globally – we must provide local residents with relief on their bills,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This package ensures local economies throughout downstate Illinois will not be leveled by rising fees while also continuing to prioritize clean energy.”

This package will make energy bills more affordable, bring thousands of jobs to the state, and have great economic impact on local communities.

House Bill 4412 would set a framework to give residents in the MISO region a rebate during the summer months. The measure is designed to offset energy costs for residents when electricity bills are usually the highest.

Funded through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the rebate would be issued for the June 2023 through December 2034 billing cycles and may be used for up to five monthly billing periods.

“Residents of central Illinois deserve fair prices for their monthly energy bill, as well as the opportunity to continue to move forward toward a greener and cleaner state and economy,” Koehler said. “I look forward to continuing the fight for our downstate communities and their economies.”

House Bill 4412 passed the Senate Sunday.

PEORIA – People who purchased an electric vehicle in Illinois are now eligible for up to $4,000 in rebates thanks to a law backed by State Senator Dave Koehler through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s second round of funding with the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program.

“Creating sustainability is crucial in fighting climate change, and it’s our goal to increase accessibility and use of electric vehicles across the board,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This program helps give more people a chance to be sustainable by providing affordable and accessible electronic vehicles and motorcycles.”

The Electric Vehicle Rebate Program offers $4,000 rebate for purchase of an all-electric passenger vehicle or $1,500 rebate for purchase of an all-electric motorcycle. An all-electric vehicle must be exclusively powered and refueled by electricity, plugged in to charge, and licensed to drive on public roadways. Illinois residents who purchase an all-electric passenger vehicle within 90 days of this round are eligible to apply for a rebate The first round of rebates saw over 2,000 applications and issued over $8.7 million in rebates. Nov. 1 is the beginning of the second round.

Individuals can complete an application for the second round rebate under Illinois’ EV Rebate Program here. Applications for the second funding round opened Nov. 1, 2022 and must be postmarked on or before Jan. 31, 2023.

Senator Koehler continues to work tirelessly on sustainability. He has sponsored other Electric Vehicle bills, such as Senate Bill 2940, which pushed to include motorcycles in the discussion of electric transportation and incentivize their purchase along with vehicles.

“Everyone has a carbon footprint, so even the smallest change in one’s life can be beneficial to the environment,” Koehler said. “This is a positive step toward ensuring affordability and accessibility.”

IEPA will prioritize the review of applications from low-income purchasers and award rebates to people accordingly. After the application period closes Jan. 31 2023, rebates will be issued to eligible applicants based on funding availability. 

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PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler urges area residents to give thanks and appreciation to emergency personnel on First Responders Day, which takes place on Friday, Oct. 28.

“First responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe in an emergency,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “It is not an easy job, and these brave individuals deserve all of our gratitude and thanks.”

This day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

Koehler reminds residents to extend gratitude to first responders year-round for their dedication and remember those lost in the line of duty.

“I wish to offer my highest gratitude to the individuals who keep our communities safe,” Koehler said. “The men and women who protect us have strength and courage, and should be celebrated for all they do.”

Koehler encourages residents to recognize the contributions of first responders in their communities with ceremonies and activities.