SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) released the following statement after the governor signed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget into law:

“The investments this budget makes into education, workforce development and our local economy is a testament to how far we have come to get Illinois back on track.

“Not only is the state being fiscally responsible by paying down debt and allowing businesses to plan for the future – Illinois is making an investment in the next generation by providing increased funding to our schools, community colleges, four-year universities and programs that will improve workforce development, job development and job creation.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler supported the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which prioritizes early childhood and higher education, as well as infrastructure and workforce development.

“This budget is a win for our universities and community colleges,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By providing the largest higher education funding increase in two decades, we are ensuring our students can afford to go to college and pursue their dreams.”

The budget will invest in a new program – SMART Start Illinois – a multi-year program to prepare children to be lifelong learners. This program includes funding for the Illinois State Board of Education Early Childhood Block Grant. The budget increases Monetary Award Program funding, as well as the Minority Teacher Scholarship Program.

Additionally, the budget includes funding for business attraction and development, and workforce training. The budget lists investments toward downtowns that are in need of rehabilitation, and for the Fast-Track Workforce program to provide employee screening, recruitment and job training development to employers.

“Our increased funding in workforce programs, job creation and business development gives Illinoisans greater avenues to find fulfilling, high-paying jobs,” said Koehler. “By continuing our commitment toward our state’s workforce, we are creating new opportunities that will keep our best and brightest in Illinois.”

The FY 24 budget passed the Senate Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler passed an initiative to prohibit price gouging of essential medication.

“Medication should be affordable for all Illinoisans,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “This legislation addresses the schemes companies will go through to churn a profit off of someone’s health.”

House Bill 3957 creates the Illinois Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act, which would prohibit manufacturers and distributors from engaging in price gouging of essential off-patent and generic drugs.

“It’s time we hold these companies accountable for what should be considered robbery,” said Koehler. “We should not be allowing these companies to skyrocket their prices to the point people are unable to afford medication they desperately need.”

House Bill 3957 passed the Senate Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading an initiative to prohibit price gouging of essential medication.

“People shouldn’t have to burn a hole in their wallets to receive the medication they need,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “This legislation will ensure that every Illinoisan has access to medication at a fair price.”

House Bill 3957 creates the Illinois Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act, which would prohibit manufacturers and distributors from engaging in price gouging of essential off-patient and generic drugs.

“It’s time we hold these companies accountable for what should be considered robbery,” said Koehler. “Medication shouldn’t be priced at ridiculous rates to the point where people are turned away.”

House Bill 3957 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee Tuesday. It now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.