PEORIA — State Senator Dave Koehler led a new law to end unfair practices by pharmacy benefit managers, in turn protecting local pharmacies and consumers.

"Pharmacy benefit managers have too often prioritized profits at the expense of patients and local pharmacies," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "This new law allows transparency and fairness, keeping health care services affordable and accessible for Illinois families."

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Dave Koehler led a resolution to urge the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to assess the state’s capacity to provide comprehensive care for individuals with brain injuries.

“This resolution seeks a thorough evaluation of our state’s resources and needs,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “It’s time we ensure Illinois residents receive the care they deserve, right here at home, without unnecessary costs associated with out-of-state care.”

Senate Joint Resolution 30 calls for an in-depth study of Illinois’ current care system for brain injury rehabilitation. Currently, Illinois Medicaid funds out-of-state specialized rehabilitation services—even though comparable services can be provided by in-state providers such as Sevita’s NeuroRestorative program, which operates in Bloomington, Carbondale and the Chicago area.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Dave Koehler has led a resolution urging Illinois’ small and mid-size manufacturing industries to establish a task force to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and growth.

“Manufacturers are essential to our economy and job creation across Illinois,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “By forming this industry-led task force, we give businesses the opportunity to shape solutions that directly address their needs, boosting their ability to thrive and expand.”

The resolution, initiated by the Technology & Manufacturing Association, seeks to empower manufacturers to identify regulatory barriers and propose legislative solutions. The TMA previously advocated for reducing regulatory burdens but highlighted challenges in pinpointing specific regulations hindering industry growth.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is championing two significant pharmacy bills aimed at protecting patient access to pharmacies and health care services by hospitals engaged in the federal 340B program.

“Our local hospitals and federal qualified health centers need this program to be able to provide healthcare services for the poor and uninsured. The corrections we have made in how this program works will make a difference to struggling communities throughout the state,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This will cover the expenses that otherwise would be passed on to patients who have insurance.”

House Bill 2371 would establish the patient access to Pharmacy Protection Act, which would prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from imposing restrictive conditions on hospitals and pharmacies under the federal 340B program. The measure would prohibit manufacturers from limiting the number of pharmacies a hospital can use. The bill would further require hospitals to report on an annual basis the use of those funds for charity care, thus providing transparency for the program.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Dave Koehler to make certain that parents and guardians of students enrolled in special education programs have access to their children’s mental health records has passed the Illinois Senate.

“Parents need reliable access to critical information about their child’s mental health, especially when it comes to special education services,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Passing this bill gives families the tools they need to advocate for their child’s educational and emotional well-being effectively.”

House Bill 2994 would allow parents or guardians of students receiving special education services to access their child’s mental health records regarding services the parent or guardian consented to on the child’s behalf. Additionally, a designated representative of a student who is 18 or older would also have access to these records. This measure strengthens communication and helps close the information gap between families, teachers and school administrators.

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."