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  • COVID-19

Koehler works to provide financial relief for property owners

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Friday, May 22, 2020 09:08 PM
  • Koehler
  • Property Tax
  • SB685

koehler chair 052220SPRINGFIELD – To provide much needed flexibility and relief as businesses and counties begin to reopen, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) sponsored legislation that would give property owners the means to continue meeting the challenges presented by COVID-19.

"I led the Senate’s economic revitalization working group with one goal in mind. We had to provide people with real, tangible solutions to the enormous challenges brought on by the pandemic,” Koehler said. “Implementing property tax relief measures and extending payment deadlines is where we have to start as we begin to work toward the recovery of our local economies.”

Under this legislation local businesses and residents would see property tax relief in the form of:

  • Empowering county governments to approve 2020 homestead exemptions for those with disabilities, veterans with disabilities and senior citizens, as long as the property had been granted this exemption for 2019.
  • Allowing counties with less than 3 million residents to waive interest penalties and fees for late property tax payments due in 2020.
  • Deferred property tax sales for counties with less than 3 million residents.

This legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.

 

Koehler: online clinics are available to curb rising utility costs

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 01:38 PM
  • Koehler
  • Citizens Utility Board
  • Utility Bills

utility meter 051220PEORIA – To potentially save homeowners money on rising utility bills, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is encouraging residents to participate in the Citizens Utility Board’s (CUB) Virtual Utility Bill Clinic.

“While we spend more of our time at home with loved ones, the increase in utility costs is inevitable,” Koehler said. “As we continue to manage the consequences of COVID-19, every dollar counts. People need to know there are free programs available that can provide folks with measures to take which could result in lower utility costs. I urge homeowners to participate in a Citizens Utility Board clinic to see what savings may be in store for them.”

To participate, residents should send a copy of their most recent electric, natural gas and telecom bills to CUB at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Attn: Virtual Utility Bill Clinic.” Participants can remove personal information, but their documents should include the account holder’s name.

A CUB specialist will evaluate the bill to determine if you are signed up with an alternative supplier or if you are paying for unnecessary products or services. CUB will also let you know if you are eligible for money-saving programs, like financial assistance, and share information about energy-efficiency programs.

For more information on the program, please visit www.citizensutilityboard.org.

Koehler works to ensure reopening of local state wildlife areas

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Tuesday, May 05, 2020 02:02 PM
  • Koehler
  • COVID-19
  • State Parks

springlake 050520PEORIA – Following the announcement that Spring Lake and Banner Marsh will not be reopened alongside numerous other parks throughout the state, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) joined fellow downstate Democrats in sending a letter to the governor urging him to work with the legislature to reopen area state parks.

“Parks are a vital resource for every part of our state,” Koehler said. “I’m disappointed central Illinoisans won’t be able to utilize two of our area’s finest natural resources.”

If Spring Lake and Banner Marsh were to reopen, they could provide central Illinoisans with an avenue to safely escape the confines of their homes periodically.

“We are all frustrated by this health crisis and the economic devastation that has resulted in our communities,” Koehler said. “The very least we can do is work to provide the people of central Illinois with more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. I look forward to working with the administration to make this happen.”

Koehler provides local entities with disinfectant supplies

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 05:27 PM
  • Koehler
  • Disinfectant

TC sims disinfectant 040320PEORIA – To further assist in local sanitation efforts to protect against the coronavirus, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) has facilitated the distribution of surface disinfectant supplies to numerous businesses and organizations throughout the Peoria area.

“As we begin to implement the next phase of the Stay at Home order, it’s essential that we equip local businesses, governments, and organizations with the tools necessary to protect against infection,” Koehler said. “Our priority is for our businesses to reopen in a safe environment, and this is a crucial step in that direction. I’d like to thank the East Peoria Fire Department for expanding on their already invaluable service by picking up and distributing these supplies.”

Supplies have been distributed to fire departments, Fulton County services and offices, City Link Bus Service, City of East Peoria services, many school districts, a library, Heartland clinic facilities, several non-profits, and many small businesses.

The disinfectant is a surface cleaner, and comes in five-gallon containers which will include a pouring spout and some spray bottles. There is a 30-day shelf life, so businesses and other interested organizations would need to determine what is necessary for a 30-day supply. Businesses will receive the disinfectant free of charge.

Please reach out to Senator Koehler’s district office at 309-677-0120 if your organization is interested. A limited supply remains, and materials will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

Koehler urges Illinoisans to take advantage of student loan payment relief

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Thursday, April 23, 2020 12:20 PM
  • Koehler
  • Student Loans

student loan3 042320PEORIA— In an effort to help people struggling to pay their student loans during the unprecedented economic challenges facing the state and country, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) highlighted relief options that could benefit nearly 140,000 Illinoisans.

“It’s no secret that people across the state are facing a great deal of uncertainty regarding their futures,” Koehler said. “Adding student loan payments to the already heavy burden that has been placed on their shoulders doesn’t sit well with me, and I’m glad that the State of Illinois has prioritized offering relief to those who are anxious about these looming payments. I urge those who have been impacted to reach out to their loan providers to discuss alternate repayment options.”

Under the initiative, spearheaded by Gov. JB Pritzker and Secretary Deborah Hagan of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, people with commercially-owned Federal Family Education Program Loans or privately held student loans who are having a hard time making their payments due to COVID-19 will be eligible for expanded relief.

Borrowers who need assistance are asked to immediately contact their student loan provider to set up a plan. 

Relief options are based on a person’s individual needs and include:

  •         Providing a minimum of 90 days of forbearance,
  •         Waiving late payment fees,
  •         Ensuring that no borrower is subject to negative credit reporting,
  •         Ceasing debt collection lawsuits for 90 days,
  •         Working with borrower to enroll them in other borrower assistance programs, such as income-based repayment.

If a person is having problems contacting their student loan servicer, they can contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Banking at 217-785-2900 or the attorney general’s student loan helpline at 1-800-455-2456.

Koehler lauds decision to extend state tax filing deadline

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Thursday, April 09, 2020 11:48 AM
  • Koehler
  • Income Tax
  • Deadline Extension
koehler 031020Peoria – To alleviate some of the financial anxieties many families are facing in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, the state tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15,  a move State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said will help take some financial and emotional pressure off Illinoisans.


“The decision by the governor to extend the Illinois state tax filing deadline is incredibly prudent,” Koehler said. “This will provide relief to workers who find themselves in uncharted territory as it pertains to their employment status and income. We have plenty of folks who are worried about where their next paycheck may be coming from. The last thing that needs to be on their mind at this moment is how they’re going to be paying their tax bill.”

Over the course of the past several weeks Koehler has diligently worked to share vital information with constituents to help ease the burden that our communities are facing due to the coronavirus outbreak.

He encourages those with further questions to either contact his office via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by calling (309) 677-0120, or visiting the Illinois Senate Democrats’ coronavirus resource hub at http://illinoissenatedemocrats.com/covid-19

Koehler reminds Illinoisans of available tax assistance

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 04:22 PM
  • Koehler
  • Tax Preparation

incometaxhelp 031120SPRINGFIELD – Low income families and senior citizens seeking help filing their 2019 income taxes are able to receive free help through several state programs, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Tuesday.

“As Tax Day draws near, it’s vital that we ensure those who are in need receive the necessary help in an affordable, timely manner,” Koehler said. “By partnering with the Illinois Department of Revenue, the IRS and AARP we’re providing a way to relieve a burden for those who may be in need of it most.”

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offer free tax help for individuals making $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities, taxpayers who speak limited English and individuals 60 years of age or older.

Additionally, AARP’s Foundation Tax-Aide program focuses on helping low-to-moderate income individuals, with special attention to those over 50 years of age. An AARP membership is not required.

Illinois taxpayers can search for a free tax assistance provider closest to them by visiting the Illinois Department of Revenue’s website tax.illinois.gov.

Koehler announces open application period for $80 million in local economic development grants

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 12:28 PM
  • Koehler
  • Economic Development

koehler 031020SPRINGFIELD – Local governments will be able to apply to receive a portion of nearly $80 million in grants to boost economic development and modernize infrastructure in their communities, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Tuesday.

“By offering local governments the chance to invest in themselves, we’re continuing to demonstrate a commitment to downstate,” Koehler said. “When downstate thrives, Illinois thrives.”

Through a competitive selection process, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will distribute funding to local governments to support projects that will help generate jobs, expand economic opportunity and encourage new development.

DCEO has allocated $50 million for public infrastructure investments, $16.5 million for regional economic development projects and $13 million to prepare sites for construction. Potential projects also include improvements to utility lines and waste disposal systems, land and building acquisition, and architectural planning and engineering design.

Applications for public infrastructure grants must be submitted by June 30, but others will be accepted on a rolling basis. Available grants, project guidelines and application materials can be found here.

For additional information on these funds, prospective applicants can visit DCEO’s website here. Interested parties can send questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 217-785-6174.

More Articles …

  1. Koehler votes to override Pritzker veto, protect jobs at Peoria airport
  2. Koehler to pursue property tax reform, infrastructure and ethics reform in upcoming legislative session
  3. Koehler: Capping insulin costs is common sense
  4. Koehler announces grant that will lead to improved Farmington water infrastructure
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