State Senator Dave Koehler joined the Illinois Stewardship Alliance and rural farmers today to discuss his latest measure, Senate Bill 3077, which would strengthen local food production and distribution.

“We should be supporting our farmers here in Illinois rather than purchasing products across the country,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Farming is more than just sticking a seed in the ground. You must also have the infrastructure to be able to harvest and process food for people.”

Senate Bill 3077 would create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act. This measure would require the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants would include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.

Koehler, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance and farmers rallied behind the measure, highlighting the importance of having locally sourced food in stores and the impact it would have on the economy.

SPRINGFIELD – As the world continues to rely on the use of electronics, State Senator Dave Koehler is spearheading a measure to ensure batteries are properly disposed in Illinois.

“Although using electronic alternatives are great for the environment, the lack of proper disposal of batteries can lead to more environmental harm,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This measure begins a much-needed detailed plan for battery recycling.”

Senate Bill 3686 would require businesses who sell or distribute batteries to develop a recycling stewardship program. Sellers and distributors would be required to create a small to medium-sized battery recycling program by 2026. Medium-sized batteries would include batteries made for electric bikes and electric scooters. By 2029, businesses must include appropriate labeling for all batteries to ensure proper collection and recycling.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring more Illinois food to our shelves, State Senator Dave Koehler is leading an initiative to create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act.

“This is an opportunity to not only support our farmers, but feed families and strengthen the state’s economy as well,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Providing farm-to-table food to grocers allows local businesses to flourish while supplying families with fresh produce grown right in the heart of their community.”

Senate Bill 3077 would create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act. This measure would require the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants would include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in celebrating the opening of a new cutting-edge advanced manufacturing training center at Heartland Community College.

“As a leader in clean energy, the State of Illinois is prioritizing preparing our regional workforce for local jobs in the clean energy economy,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By investing in Heartland Community College’s Electric Vehicle Energy Storage training facility, the State is giving students access to specialized skill training while showing them the vast number of clean energy career opportunities available right here in Illinois.”

Heartland's electric vehicle manufacturing program – which launched at a temporary site in August 2021 – provides students with training, certificates and degrees in Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Technology. The program also provides intensive upskill Electric Vehicle Technology Certificates for individuals with prior traditional automotive training and experience. Additionally, the facility will provide a space for advanced manufacturing programs in robotics, renewable energy and automation.

BLOOMINGTON – Members of the Illinois General Assembly joined the Illinois Farm Bureau Wednesday for a press conference discussing the Family Farm Preservation Act – a measure being spearheaded by State Senator Dave Koehler and State Representative Sharon Chung.

“This measure is designed to protect farmers and their families by ensuring they can afford to keep their land,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “In many instances, families have to sell their land after the loss of a loved one simply because it’s too expensive. This will give families the opportunity to continue passing down their farm from generation to generation.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents who are victims of fertility fraud will soon be able to bring action against health care providers, thanks to a new law from State Senator Dave Koehler.

When Bloomington resident Curt Richardson got his DNA test results back from Ancestry.com in June 2021, his life – and those of his parents – changed forever when they learned they had been victims of fertility fraud.

Richardson’s story is similar to hundreds of others across the state and nation who have lived most of their lives thinking the very people who raised them were their biological parents. Koehler worked to bring awareness to fertility fraud and provide justice to the families who fall victim to the heinous act.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is recognizing the 10^th anniversary of the devastating tornado that tore through Washington and Pekin communities — a solemn reminder of the importance of year-round weather preparedness.

"We still remember the events that occurred a decade ago that left these communities devastated,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The people who lived in the communities hit by the tornado worked to clean up after the storms and help make their towns habitable again.”

In the early hours of Nov. 17, 2013, a devastating EF-4 tornado tore through the communities of Washington and Pekin, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The storm caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure, and resulted in the death of one individual.

SPRINGFIELD – With the rise of social media influencing, all someone needs to reach fame now is a cell phone. While traditional child actors are protected by the Child Labor Law, there has been nothing on the books for young social media influencers until now, thanks to State Senator Dave Koehler.

“The rise of social media has given children new opportunities to earn a profit,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Many parents have taken this opportunity to pocket the money, while making their children continue to work in these digital environments.”

Under Senate Bill 1782, minors under the age of 16 featured in vlogs or other online content are covered under the Child Labor Law. The measure calls for the child – also known as a “kidfluencer”— to be accurately compensated.

The idea for the legislation came from Shreya Nallamothu, a 15-year-old high school student in Koehler’s district. Shreya brought her proposal to Koehler with concerns that money made by child influencers is not protected and that too many young people will fall victim to a parent or guardian taking the assets for their own use.