Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Dave Koehler is sponsoring legislation to strengthen press protections for public media produced at state-supported colleges and universities in Illinois.

“Student and campus-based public media play an intimate role in informing their communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This bill would help protect editorial independence and make clear that public officials at state universities should not be controlling newsroom content.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is working to improve oversight and follow-up care for nursing home residents living with serious mental illnesses.

“For residents, it should be a guarantee that timely and thoughtful care responds to their needs,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This bill helps make sure people living with serious mental illness receive follow-up reviews sooner, and that important decisions are made without conflicts of interest.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s new initiative to allow public transit agencies to use electronic rearview monitoring systems on their buses and transit vehicles has passed the Senate.

“Our public transit drivers work long hours, deal with rapidly changing weather and, most importantly, get you from place to place,” said Koehler (D-Peoria) “With the wellbeing of a passenger being in the hands of a driver we want to ensure the drivers have a modern system with better safety measures.”

NORMAL — State Senator Dave Koehler today joined Illinois State University leaders, faculty and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking transformation of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. This project expands opportunities for students and strengthens arts and culture in Central Illinois.

“This transformative project represents an investment not only in the arts, but in our youth and the commitment to creating more creatives in our state," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "ISU’s new fine arts building will help support the expressive community of students already there, attract bright new talent and contribute to the cultural growth of our region."

This multi-phase project, made possible by the Rebuild Illinois program, renovates and reconfigures existing facilities to provide updated teaching and rehearsal spaces, improved accessibility and enhanced areas for community engagement. The improvements will better position the college to train future artists, educators and creative professionals who contribute to the region’s cultural and economic life.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s House Bill 767, legislation designed to put clear, expert vaccine guidance at the center of Illinois’ public health response, has become law.

“Families deserve clear, evidence-based guidance when making health decisions for their children,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law requires expert input to drive our immunization policies, makes those recommendations public and adds practical protections so pharmacies can continue serving their communities safely and effectively.”

The new law comes at a time when the federal administration has gone dark on vaccine transparency. The goal is to shine a spotlight on this issue so Illinois continues to follow the science, no matter what happens at the federal level. 

PEORIA — State Senator Dave Koehler helped secure a $10 million commitment to reconstruct and modernize Sheridan Road, as part of a larger round of projects funded through the state’s multi-year transportation program.

“The investment in modernizing Sheridan Road will enhance the lives of residents and visitors alike, as every mile of road we repair contributes to the longevity of Illinois’ transportation,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This project will connect residents to jobs, schools, and businesses, while improving the interconnectivity of our state.” 

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler welcomed the announcement that OPmobility will establish its first Illinois facility in Normal to assemble bumpers for Rivian’s R2, bringing new job opportunities and another critical investment to the Central Illinois region.

“This announcement underscores the strength of Central Illinois as a hub for innovation and manufacturing,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “OPmobility’s investment will create good-paying jobs and further establish our region as a leader in the clean energy and automotive sectors.”

OPmobility’s capital investment in Rivian’s new supplier park is supported by the Senate Democrat-backed Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program, which is designed to attract clean energy jobs to Illinois while supporting the state’s climate goals. As a result of the company’s investment in Central Illinois and the creation of over 80 new jobs, the move includes a REV Illinois tax credit tied to these commitments.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s law establishing the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission to preserve and promote the state’s Underground Railroad history is now on the books.

“This law is a meaningful step toward recognizing and commemorating the powerful stories of courage and resilience that shaped Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Establishing this commission allows us to honor our state’s role in the Underground Railroad by preserving historic sites and educating future generations.”