Koehler to host town hall on improving public transit across downstate Illinois

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is drawing attention to the real, everyday benefits that expanded public transit will bring to downstate Illinois, from improved access to jobs and health care, to greater independence for seniors and students. He is inviting community members to a town hall on improving public transit on Monday, Sept. 29 in Peoria.

“Reliable transit is about more than routes and schedules — it’s about people getting to work on time, seniors making it to doctor’s appointments, students reaching after-school programs and families accessing the services they need,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Investing in transit means investing in the lives and opportunities of our neighbors across Central and downstate Illinois.”

Koehler noted that stronger transit networks reduce isolation for rural and small-town residents, connect workers to employers without forcing long commutes, and support local businesses by making it easier for customers and employees to reach downtowns and commercial corridors. Improved transit options also enhance equity allowing residents without reliable vehicles to still be able to access education, onsite training and health care.

Local leaders and community organizations will discuss these ideas and next steps at a public town hall on improving transit for Peoria and Central Illinois. The event, hosted by the Sierra Club and Senator Koehler and featuring Peoria Mayor Rita Ali, will be held Monday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (Room 400) at Peoria City Hall.

“At a time when many families are stretching every dollar, affordable and dependable transportation is a lifeline,” Koehler said. “I encourage residents to come to the town hall, share their experiences and help shape a transit system that works for everyone.”

Residents who cannot attend the meeting but want to learn more or share input are encouraged to contact Senator Koehler’s office at 309-677-0120.

Koehler leads new law to support student leaders

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler led a new law that supports student leaders serving on state higher education boards with a scholarship.

“Students who step up as leaders on our higher education boards invest countless hours representing their peers and contributing to the betterment of Illinois’ colleges and universities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This scholarship recognizes their commitment, rewarding their leadership and encouraging even more students to actively participate in shaping our higher education system.”

Senate Bill 1475 will provide a $500 scholarship each semester to student members who are serving on the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board. Previously, these student members volunteer their time without compensation, only receiving reimbursement for travel-related expenses.

“These students do incredibly valuable work for Illinois,” Koehler said. “Providing this modest financial support demonstrates that our state values their dedication and appreciates their contributions.”

SB1475 was signed Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Koehler’s new law improves parent access to student mental health records

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s new law allows parents and guardians to have clear access to the mental health records of students receiving special education services.

“Families deserve straightforward access to essential information that impacts their child’s educational success and mental well-being,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law ensures parents and caregivers have the tools to understand their child’s mental health needs better, and advocate effectively for their education.”

House Bill 2994 permits 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 will have access to these records. This law strengthens communication and helps close the information gap between families, teachers and school administrators.

Under previous law, parental access to these records can be unclear or limited as students grow older, potentially hindering effective care coordination.

“This law removes barriers that sometimes leave parents feeling disconnected from their child’s care,” Koehler said. “With better access to these records, parents, educators, and healthcare providers can work more closely to create the supportive educational environments our students deserve.”

House Bill 2994 was signed Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Koehler secures additional funding for local school districts

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced today that several school districts within Tazewell, Peoria and Mclean County will receive significant new evidence-based funding, in addition to the base funding the state provides for all schools.

“Every dollar directed from the evidence-based funding model helps our schools meet the unique requirements of their students,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This approach to school funding is about fairness—making sure resources follow students and allowing districts with a higher need to receive the support necessary so all children have the chance to succeed.”

The evidence-based funding formula, championed by Senate Democrats in 2017, revamps Illinois’ K-12 funding by calculating each district’s requirements based on enrollment, poverty levels, special education and English language learners among other factors. By targeting resources where they’re most needed, the formula promotes equity and improves student outcomes across the state.

School districts receiving funding through the formula include:

• DeWitt/Livingston/Logan/McLean Regional Office of Education – Regional Safe School Program: $ 30
• DeWitt/Livingston/Logan/McLean Regional Office of Education – Alternative Learning Opportunities Program: $321,506
• Mclean County Unite District 5: $714,203
• Bloomington School District 87: $415,818
• Peoria Regional Office of Education – Regional Safe School Program: $24,992
• Pleasant Valley School District 62: $55,088
• Bartonville Grade School District 66: $15,604
• Oak Grove School District 68: $15,783
• Pleasant Hill School District 69: $9,337
• Monroe School District 70: $30,149
• Peoria School District 150: $8,853,916
• Limestone Community High School District 325: $84,465
• Peoria Heights Community Unit School District 325: $207,702
• District 50 Schools: $47,031
• Robein School District 85: $48,061
• East Peoria School District 86: $24,718
• East Peoria Community High School District 309: $57,891
• Illinois State University Lab School: $558,439

The Fiscal Year 2026 budget invested $300 million in new funding into students’ success through the evidence-based funding model.

For more information on the FY 26 evidence-based funding distribution, visit the Illinois State Board of Education’s website.