SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is championing two significant pharmacy bills aimed at protecting patient access to pharmacies and health care services by hospitals engaged in the federal 340B program.

“Our local hospitals and federal qualified health centers need this program to be able to provide healthcare services for the poor and uninsured. The corrections we have made in how this program works will make a difference to struggling communities throughout the state,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This will cover the expenses that otherwise would be passed on to patients who have insurance.”

House Bill 2371 would establish the patient access to Pharmacy Protection Act, which would prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from imposing restrictive conditions on hospitals and pharmacies under the federal 340B program. The measure would prohibit manufacturers from limiting the number of pharmacies a hospital can use. The bill would further require hospitals to report on an annual basis the use of those funds for charity care, thus providing transparency for the program.

House Bill 1697, the Prescription Drug Affordability Act, targets pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), entities that manage prescription drug benefits for insurers. This bill would end harmful practices, such as “spread pricing,” where pharmacy benefit managers profit by charging insurers significantly more than what pharmacies receive. It also would restrict PBMs from profiting from the sale of drugs to pharmacies, and would require them to return 100% of pharmacy rebates back to the individuals or sponsoring organizations. It will also prevent pharmacy benefit managers from unfairly steering patients toward particular pharmacies and stops PBMs from limiting an individual’s access to a drug from a pharmacy by classifying it as a “specialty drug.”

“Our local pharmacies are vital to communities across Illinois, especially in smaller towns and underserved areas,” Koehler said. “Getting this bill approved means that pharmacy benefit managers who act as the middleman in the prescription drug industry will no longer have a strangle hold on consumers and neighborhood pharmacies,”

Both House Bill 2371 and House Bill 1697 passed the Senate Thursday.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler praises the students from Pekin High School for their recent presentation highlighting Illinois’ significant role in the Underground Railroad, a project inspired by the efforts of Koehler’s statewide commission.

“It’s inspiring to see students engaging deeply with Illinois history,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Their work not only highlights the courage and resilience of those involved in the Underground Railroad, but it also helps our community appreciate and preserve this important part of our past.”

The student-made website, guided by the objectives of Koehler’s Underground Railroad Commission, focused on researching and identifying historic locations across Illinois that served as safe havens for those fleeing slavery. Koehler’s commission aims to recognize, preserve, and educate Illinois residents about the critical role the state played in supporting freedom seekers during one of America’s most challenging chapters.

“I want to thank the Pekin High School students and teachers for dedicating their time and passion to this meaningful project,” Koehler said. “Their efforts have helped shed light on local history and brought new energy to the commission’s ongoing mission to educate and inspire.”

For more information about the commission and its initiatives, reach out here.

BLOOMINGTON—State Senator Dave Koehler secured nearly $800,000 in grants from the Illinois Department of Transportation to support the extension of Constitution Trail, which will improve local pedestrian and cyclist safety in Bloomington.

“Expanding Constitution Trail provides our residents with safe and accessible pathways to commute, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Projects like this improve quality of life, encourage active transportation and foster more connected communities.”

The Constitution Trail extension project will create a 10-foot-wide, multi-use path from Lafayette Street to Hamilton Road. The new section will initially follow parallel to Bunn Street before turning northwest to cross underneath I-55 Business via an existing railway underpass in Southeast Bloomington.

“Improving our trails and paths is a direct advancement in the health and wellbeing of Bloomington,” Koehler added. “This project will positively impact Bloomington residents and visitors for years to come.”

The funding announced is part of a statewide investment in transportation alternatives, including bike and pedestrian trails, streetscape beautification and other infrastructure improvements to promote safe travel for Illinois residents.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is encouraging area residents to participate in the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste collection event sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and local partners.

"Hazardous materials can clutter our homes and harm the environment if not disposed of properly," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "Events like this make it easy to be responsible with items that are often difficult to discard safely."

Residents can bring chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, weed killers, insecticides, pesticides, and other household hazardous materials. Items such as latex paint, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, explosives, smoke detectors, and agricultural chemicals will not be accepted.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-registration is required and can be found here. Participants are encouraged to pack materials securely and remain in their vehicles at the collection site, where staff will safely remove items from the vehicle.

"Participating in this event is a simple way each of us can contribute to a safer, cleaner environment," said Koehler. "Every small effort helps make a healthier Peoria county."

For full details and registration information, visit the Peoria County recycling services page at peoriacounty.gov/201/Recycling-Services.