SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) pledged to continue work on his initiative to demand that excessive profits received by Managed Care Organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic be returned to the state.

“As we begin to move into a post-COVID-19 world, we’re seeing that managed care organizations brought in record-breaking profits while many communities across the state struggled to receive basic care and necessary resources during the pandemic,” Koehler said. “If we are able to reallocate excess profits from these companies, we can help hospitals stay open and keep providing lifesaving care in our low-income and rural communities.”

The legislation was filed in response to decreased health care service use during the period where elective surgeries and procedures were postponed. Decreased use resulted in MCOs paying fewer claims and therefore retaining unprecedented amounts of enrollment-based profit, the scope of which was revealed via a Better Government Association investigation. Those wishing to read more about the results of the investigation can visit the BGA’s website.

Koehler was joined in this initiative by State Representative Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates), who introduced identical legislation in the House.

Koehler intends to request continued hearings on SB 455.

PEORIA – Central Illinois communities will see nearly $40 million in funding for road and bridge projects in 2022 as part of the latest Multi-Year Plan under the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Rebuild Illinois initiative, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Friday.

“Our communities stand to benefit greatly from investment of this scale,” Koehler said. “Not only will these projects invigorate our economy and create good-paying jobs, but they will ensure safer commutes for our residents and generally benefit everyone who drives on our roads, crosses our bridges, or walks on our sidewalks.”

The funding comes as an installment of the Rebuild Illinois capital plan which aims to promote economic growth and reliable infrastructure throughout the state. This Multi-Year Plan will invest $20.7 billion in over 2,700 miles of roads and nearly 8 million square feet of bridges across Illinois over the span of the next six years.

The roughly $40 million being dedicated to the 46^th District will fund 19 projects slated to begin next year. The list of projects includes a great deal of work in regards to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities act, the repair or reconstruction of several bridges, additional lanes, new sidewalks, and improved intersections throughout the district. Most notably, long awaited repairs will begin on Route 24 and Galena Road.

Significant repairs that will begin in 2022 include:

• $1 million worth of repairs to Route 24
• 14 miles of repairs to I-474 worth $24 million
• Upgrades to the US 150 bridge over the Illinois River worth more than $3 million
• Upgrades worth $2 million on the IL 8 / IL 116 bridge in East Peoria

Those interested can find a comprehensive list of projects slated for the 46^th District on IDOT’s website.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Monday that local governments in the 46th District will receive over $4.5 million in the newest round of Rebuild Illinois infrastructure grants.

“This funding will allow Illinois to stay at the forefront of infrastructure investment and improvement in the Midwest,” Koehler said. “When we take the time to improve our infrastructure, we improve our future.”

The funding gives local governments resources to repair and maintain infrastructure, create jobs and boost the economy on a local level. Municipalities may choose to use the grant for road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs, with financial oversight from IDOT.

Local governments in the Peoria County will receive over $2.5 million, Tazewell County will receive over $1.7 million, and Fulton County will receive over $430,000.

“Rebuild Illinois has already repaired and revitalized thousands of miles of roads, some of which run right through the hearts of communities here in Central Illinois,” Koehler said. “This funding will bring good-paying jobs into our community and will help ensure that cities and towns both here and across the state can grow and thrive for years into the future.”

This funding comes as the fourth of six rounds of $1.5 billion in grants through the Rebuild Illinois program. Those interested can find a complete list of awards here.

PEORIA – Upon the inauguration of Rita Ali as the mayor of the City of Peoria, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) released the following statement:

“I would like to sincerely congratulate my friend and colleague, Dr. Rita Ali, on her historic achievement as the first woman and the first African American and person of color to be elected as mayor of Peoria. Although she is the first, she will not be the last, and I am certain she will leave a lasting mark on Peoria and Central Illinois. I would also like to thank Mayor Ardis for the time and hard work he has dedicated to bettering our city. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”