Local schools get first new funding dollars

PEORIA – The first new payments from Illinois’ recently passed public school funding reforms will be released this month, completing a years-long effort to change the state’s antiquated school funding mechanism.

The first payments will be distributed to the schools with greatest need, and more than $7 million in new funds will be coming to local school districts in the 46th Legislative District for an average of more than $175 per pupil. Peoria School District 150 sees the greatest total increase with more than $2.5 million in new funds and Limestone Community High School District 310 sees the greatest per pupil funding increase with $590 for every student.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said these dollars are the first step in fixing a generational issue that has plagued poorer school districts throughout Illinois.

“Illinois’ previous funding formula distributed money in such an unfair manner that school districts across our state were left behind,” Koehler said. “This new formula can help us reverse that trend and see new investments in the schools that need in the most.”

The bipartisan legislation was signed into law by the governor last year after months of negotiations between Democrats and Republicans.

RUN, HIDE, FIGHT

A special thank you to the Pekin Police Department for their presentation on active shooter situations. They shared this video with me and my office. 

Koehler: Governor’s call for unity 3 years too late

“This is a failed governor who took Illinois to the brink of junk bond status by refusing to sign a bipartisan budget" - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Bruce Rauner gave his third State of the State address today in Springfield. State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) released the following statement after the address:

“The governor’s call for unity is three years too late. When Democrats and Republicans in the Senate came together last year to find a grand bargain to address issues the governor requested, he intervened and destroyed any progress that was made toward a bipartisan agreement.

“This is a failed governor who took Illinois to the brink of junk bond status by refusing to sign a bipartisan budget. Thank goodness we have Republican colleagues in the House who voted for both the budget and the veto override to save our state.”

Senate subcommittee hears testimony on hog farms

“People in rural Illinois deserve to know what’s going on in their back yard,” State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents impacted by large hog farms got a chance to make their voices heard at the state capitol today. At a meeting of the Subcommittee on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), senators heard testimony from rural Illinois residents and industry representatives about how rural Illinois has been impacted by the growing farms.

Earlier this year, an attempt was made to build a hog farm near the Spoon River in Fulton County that would have held over 20,000 hogs. After an outcry from the local community, the Fulton County Board passed a resolution asking the state to delay new hog farm permits until the state’s rules and regulations are updated.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) pushed for the creation of the subcommittee after residents of his district brought their concerns to his attention.

“People in rural Illinois deserve to know what’s going on in their back yard,” Koehler said. “Today’s hearing was an important first step in finding a reasonable compromise that protects rural Illinois residents without hurting local economies.”

CAFOs, such as hog farms, are governed by the Livestock Management Facilities Act which was first passed in 1996.