PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is celebrating a nearly $32 million investment in Peoria. Damera Corporation announced plans to open its first U.S. electric vehicle assembly plant, bringing 90 new full-time jobs to the region.

“Damera Corporation choosing our community for its first U.S. assembly plant speaks volumes about the talent and potential in our backyard,” said Koehler (D-Peoria) This is about good-paying jobs, cleaner transportation and our community stepping into a brighter, greener future."

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading legislation to ease the financial burden on student teachers and provide incentives for experienced educators to mentor Illinois’ next generation of teachers.

“Our state needs talented, dedicated teachers and that starts with removing some of the financial hurdles students face when pursuing an education degree,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This program will help aspiring teachers afford the costs of student teaching while rewarding experienced educators who guide them along the way.”

House Bill 1375 would establish a stipend program through the Illinois Board of Higher Education, offering student teachers stipends of up to $10,000 per semester for a maximum of two consecutive semesters. The program also would include stipends of $2,000 per semester for cooperating teachers who mentor student teachers, which are also limited to two consecutive semesters each year.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading a measure to ensure parents and guardians of students who receive special needs services can access their children's mental health records.

"Parents are essential in supporting their children's education and well-being," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "This bill ensures they have the information needed to make informed decisions about their child's care."

SPRINGFIELD— Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler to support student leaders serving on state higher education boards passed the Senate.

"Our student board members represent thousands of their peers and help shape decisions that directly affect colleges and universities across Illinois," said Koehler. "Offering this scholarship recognizes their dedication and encourages more students to participate in leadership roles."

Senate Bill 1475 would provide a $500 scholarship each semester to student members serving on the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board. Currently, these student members volunteer their time without compensation, only receiving reimbursement for travel-related expenses.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is sponsoring legislation to extend press freedom protections to public media outlets like NPR and PBS affiliates that operate on Illinois college campuses.

“Public media plays an essential role in informing our communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Ensuring their independence, accountability and trust is upheld is vital to democracy.”

Senate Bill 1988 would prevent campus-based public media from being subject to prior review by university officials. It would also allow employees or contributors to seek legal relief if their rights are violated, while also expanding liability protections.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler to establish the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission and preserve the state's Underground Railroad history passed the Senate Wednesday.

"This commission honors the courage of freedom seekers and highlights Illinois' critical role in their journey," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "By preserving and sharing these important historical sites, we ensure future generations understand and appreciate this powerful part of our state's story."

SPRINGFIELD – To support students serving in critical leadership roles within Illinois' higher education system, State Senator Dave Koehler has introduced Senate Bill 1475, which would provide scholarship assistance to student members of the state's higher education boards.

"Student voices are essential in shaping Illinois' higher education policies, yet serving on these boards requires significant commitment," Koehler said. “Offering scholarship assistance recognizes their contributions and helps ease these students' financial burdens."

Under Senate Bill 1475, student members serving on the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board would receive a $500 scholarship for each semester they are enrolled and actively serving.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading an initiative to establish the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission to preserve Illinois' history and honor the legacy of freedom seekers.

“This is an opportunity to recognize the courage of those who sought freedom and to educate future generations about Illinois’ role in the Underground Railroad,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By identifying and preserving these historic sites, we can ensure their stories are never forgotten.”

Senate Bill 1607 would create the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission, which would be tasked with researching, commemorating and promoting sites significant to the journey of freedom seekers in Illinois. The commission would work to establish educational initiatives, preserve historical landmarks, and administer grants to support these efforts.