PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced Tuesday that older adults in Peoria will soon benefit from the newly-launched Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which will expand options for community-based care and allow eligible seniors to continue living safely at home.

“PACE will create for Illinois seniors a holistic and locally-based option that provides quality, integrated care,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The option to continue living safely in the community will greatly enhance the quality of life for Illinois seniors who enroll in the program.”

PEORIA – Thanks to State Senator Dave Koehler and other members of the General Assembly, Illinoisans who purchase electric vehicles will now be eligible to apply for a rebate.

“If it’s our goal to increase the accessibility and use of electric vehicles across the board, we have to make sure we’re including everyone in the conversation,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By offering the same incentives for electric motorcycles that we do for other electric vehicles, we’re encouraging sustainability to an even greater population.”

The rebate program was created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passed by the General Assembly and signed into law in the fall of 2021. Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund has nearly $18 million allocated for rebates, and Illinois residents who purchase an all-electric vehicle on or after July 1, 2022, are now eligible to apply for a rebate of $4,000 each. To be eligible for a rebate, the vehicle must be exclusively powered and refueled by electricity, plugged in to charge, and licensed to drive on public roadways.

PEORIA – A new law championed by State Senator Dave Koehler will keep Illinois on track toward a greener future by expanding recycling opportunities for renewable energy technology.

“Sustainable energy isn’t really sustainable when it requires technology that can’t be reused and is difficult to recycle,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “As we look to expand the widespread use of renewable energy, we have a responsibility to safely dispose of any associated waste.”

PEORIA – A legislative package supported by State Senator Dave Koehler to improve public safety and offer financial protections to Illinoisans who are victims of auto theft was signed into law Thursday.

“Car thefts are on the rise, and too many Illinoisans are paying the price,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “These laws take a multifaceted approach to prevent, address, and reduce these crimes.”

PEORIA – Peoria and Fulton Counties will have disposal opportunities for unwanted agricultural pesticides through a statewide “Clean Sweep” program, State Senator Dave Koehler announced.

“It’s important for the safety of our community and the health of our environment to dispose of these chemicals in a safe and responsible manner,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This program is accessible and helps take stress off our local farmers.”

PEORIA – Students with disabilities and their families will be more fully informed of the resources available to them thanks to a piece of legislation by State Senator Dave Koehler that was signed into law Friday.

“Illinois offers so many great resources for students with disabilities that can help mitigate some of the challenges these students and their families face” said Koehler (D-Peoria).  “It’s important that we make sure families know about these resources so they can take full advantage of them.”

The Achieving a Better Life Experience program aims to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds to support individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence and quality of life, and to provide secure funding for disability-related expenses to supplement insurance benefits and income.

Senate Bill 3474 requires school districts to provide informational material to the parent or guardian of students with disabilities about the ABLE account program.

“Students with disabilities deserve every opportunity available to help them live full, healthy lives,” said state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar (D-Bolingbrook), House sponsor of the bill. “By providing these students and their families with information about the ABLE program, we’re providing them with a valuable resource they can use to support themselves.”

The legislation is effective immediately.

PEORIA – Students across Illinois are guaranteed a plant-based lunch option at school under legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Students may have dietary needs rooted in in religious, health-related or other, personal, reasons,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By offering a nutritious, plant-based option, we can satisfy those requirements and ensure all students are able to take full advantage of what may be the only meal they can depend on that day.”

PEORIA – Illinoisans will now have an added incentive to purchase vehicles manufactured in-state thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“We have a highly skilled manufacturing workforce that produces reliable, high-quality vehicles right here in Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By offering a rebate on the purchase of vehicles manufactured in-state, we put money back in the pockets of our consumers and spur our local economies.”

Illinoisans purchasing cars and passenger trucks manufactured in-state will have the opportunity to apply for a $25 rebate on the title under Senate Bill 3609. Consumers would have one year from the month the vehicle was manufactured to apply for the rebate.