Koehler offers gratitude to first responders in Illinois

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler urges area residents to give thanks and appreciation to emergency personnel on First Responders Day, which takes place on Friday, Oct. 28.

“First responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe in an emergency,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “It is not an easy job, and these brave individuals deserve all of our gratitude and thanks.”

This day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

Koehler reminds residents to extend gratitude to first responders year-round for their dedication and remember those lost in the line of duty.

“I wish to offer my highest gratitude to the individuals who keep our communities safe,” Koehler said. “The men and women who protect us have strength and courage, and should be celebrated for all they do.”

Koehler encourages residents to recognize the contributions of first responders in their communities with ceremonies and activities.

Koehler encourages women to schedule their annual mammogram

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler encourages women to schedule their annual breast cancer screening exam, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to an end. Those who may not have scheduled a mammogram due to COVID-19 are especially encouraged to make an appointment.

“Breast cancer is an all-too-common disease plaguing the health of thousands of women across the country,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Making an appointment for your yearly exam is vital, as it could help detect signs of breast cancer early.”

Breast cancer affects over 250,000 women and 2,400 men in the United States every year, and the National Cancer Institute reports an estimated 9.4 million screening tests that normally would have taken place in 2020 did not happen due to the pandemic. 

“A diagnosis is life changing, and early detection can help give someone a fighting chance,” Koehler said. “I encourage all women who need to make their annual breast screening appointments and schedule a mammogram to do so as soon as possible.”

IDPH reminds the public that the department’s Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) offers free breast exams and mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. The program also supports diagnostic services and assists with referrals for treatment options.

To enroll in IBCCP, women can call the Women’s Health Line 888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY). The Women’s Health Line will be able to walk women through the eligibility requirements and the screening process.

Senator Koehler’s office is available to answer questions. To contact, please call (309) 677-0120 or visit his website.

Koehler announces IDOI can help Illinoisans collect missing life insurance policies

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is encouraging those who may be the beneficiary of a lost or missing life insurance policy to use the Illinois Department of Insurance’s Life Policy Locator.

“When grieving over a loved one, no one wants to stress over logistics,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “IDOI can help take away the additional stress, time and burden of searching for a lost life insurance policy. If anyone feels they have unclaimed benefits, I urge them to use this service.”

Illinois law requires insurance companies to attempt to find the beneficiaries of deceased policyholders when life insurance proceeds remain unpaid, however the National Association of Insurance Commissioners reports millions of dollars in life insurance benefits remain unclaimed every year. IDOI’s Life Policy Locator can assist consumers who want to begin the search on their own. The Illinois Department of Insurance has helped recipients of life insurance find and collect more than $7.9 million from lost or unclaimed life insurance policies.

Additional sites to find unclaimed life insurance policies are:

• Illinois State Treasurer
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners Life Insurance Policy Locator

“Losing a family member is already hard enough,” Koehler said. “It is important for families to know about these resources so they can take advantage of them and make their lives a little easier.”

September is life insurance awareness month. If you believe you are the beneficiary of an unclaimed policy, please use the above tools to assist you in your search.

Koehler’s support brings tax rebates to Central Illinois families

PEORIA – Hardworking Illinoisans across the state have already begun to receive financial relief thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan, supported by State Senator Dave Koehler and members of the General Assembly.

“Hardworking people here in Central Illinois and across the state are feeling the strain at the store, at the pump, and on other everyday expenses,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By putting hard-earned money back in the pockets of families across Central Illinois, we’re easing some of their financial burden and offering a well-deserved helping hand.”

Under Senate Bill 157, millions of Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates this fall.

The legislation states that individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three.

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate starting this week – but those who have not filed yet have until Oct. 17 to do so in order to receive their rebate, pending eligibility.

“I’m always proud to support measures that support our families, and I hope these rebates will provide some relief,” Koehler said.

More information on how the funds will be dispersed and qualification criteria is available at tax.illinois.gov/rebates.