PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) will participate in a subject matter hearing of the Senate Labor Committee tomorrow at 10 a.m. to learn about the status of several unemployment insurance issues plaguing the Illinois Department of Employment Security over the last year. The unprecedented flood of claims during the COVID-19 crisis, when more than 1 million Illinoisans lost their jobs, overwhelmed the department.

“Issues with our unemployment benefits system have plagued the Department of Employment Security since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Koehler said. “It is not the goal of the committee to publicly scold the department or its employees, who have been working around the clock for those in dire need. But at some point we need concrete answers regarding what is being done to fix our broken system. It is my hope that this committee hearing will serve as a progress report on those issues from the department’s representatives.”

The public and lawmakers continue to express concerns about claimants being able to reach and receive assistance from the agency with their unemployment claims, as well as to get their payments. Illinois is also one of many states dealing with a wave of fraudulent claims, and the agency is seeking to implement tougher security measures to ensure benefits are only paid to verified recipients.

Since the pandemic began, Koehler has heard from colleagues and constituents about specific and ongoing issues. This hearing will give members serving on the Labor Committee an opportunity to ask for details from IDES officials.

To view virtual committee proceedings, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will become available when proceedings begin.

SPRINGFIELD – Providing educators and students with the resources needed to succeed, fighting for quality, affordable health care and ensuring prosperity Downstate remain at the top of State Senator Dave Koehler’s (D-Peoria) legislative agenda.

Koehler, who was sworn in to his fifth term on Wednesday, is eager to continue working to improve the lives of the people of Central Illinois.

“The responsibility of representing the people of the 46^th Legislative District in Springfield is something I consider to be an incredible privilege,” Koehler said. “Once again, they’ve put their trust in me, and I look forward to continuing the work of earning that trust.”

Koehler was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2006 and successfully won re-election in 2010, 2012, and 2016. The 49^th Legislative District encompasses all or parts of Peoria, Tazewell, and Fulton Counties.

“The work that we do in Springfield has never been without difficulty, but the challenges we collectively face, both economically and societally, in responding to COVID-19 are something else entirely,” Koehler said. “I look forward to meeting those challenges and implementing solutions with the help of my colleagues and input from the people I represent.”

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is urging Illinois drivers to be extra careful on the road during the winter with the first major storm of the season on the horizon. 

“The winter can make roads dangerous,” Koehler said. “I urge everyone to use extreme care when driving on icy roads and to keep up with the latest information on road conditions.”  

Changing weather conditions always present the opportunity for unpredictable road conditions. Getting Around Illinois is a tool to help drivers make informed decisions on whether to drive and to choose the safest routes. This information is important during the winter because of the potential for icy road conditions. 

Getting Around Illinois can be accessed on computers and smartphones. It provides a way for residents to examine a location, destination, or travel route based on a map of the state. Getting Around Illinois also provides a general overview of highways that are maintained by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The map provided by Getting Around Illinois also features a diverse color scheme and other accessibility options for people who have difficulty distinguishing colors.

Drivers can access Getting Around Illinois by going to the website.