SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to prioritize mental health within higher education institutions in Illinois, State Senator Dave Koehler is leading an initiative to require wellness days for college students.

“A student’s mental well-being is fundamental to their overall success,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This legislation tells our students that we are taking mental health seriously and that their well-being is a central component of their educational journey.”

Senate Bill 2606 would require public colleges in Illinois to adopt a student wellness policy for students enrolled in at least one course that lasts nine weeks or longer. This policy would ensure students have at least two wellness days per academic term, beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year. Koehler’s measure would also require public colleges and universities to determine student wellness day policies for students enrolled in courses lasting eight weeks or fewer, or non-credited, flexible term and online courses.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring more Illinois food to our shelves, State Senator Dave Koehler is leading an initiative to create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act.

“This is an opportunity to not only support our farmers, but feed families and strengthen the state’s economy as well,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Providing farm-to-table food to grocers allows local businesses to flourish while supplying families with fresh produce grown right in the heart of their community.”

Senate Bill 3077 would create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act. This measure would require the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants would include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.

Koehler’s bill creates a two-tiered grant system for both individual and collaborative projects. Individual projects may receive grants between $1,000 and $75,000, where collaborative projects may be awarded $1,000 up to $250,000. These grants may be used toward production, grading and packaging equipment, as well as refrigerated trucks, milling equipment, local fish processing and milk processing.

According to the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, a 10% shift in the average grocery budget toward local food purchasing could generate billions in economic growth for the state. By incentivizing the expansion and collaboration of local food providers, Senate Bill 3077 will reinforce Illinois’ food industry, grow local economies and provide access to locally sourced food to residents across the state.

“This program is a strategic investment in ourselves,” said Koehler. “By putting our money where our home is, we are ensuring prosperity for our communities.”

Senate Bill 3077 passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday and now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

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PEORIA – Two transit providers in Peoria were awarded more than $740,000 for accessible transportation in the Peoria area, thanks to the support of State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Investing in our local transportation system provides a pathway to employment opportunities and access to education,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “With this funding, we are giving our residents a public transportation system that they deserve and connecting them to the greater Peoria area.”

Through the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, more than 500 paratransit vehicles valued at $57.1 million have been awarded to 113 transit providers. The vehicles will be delivered to public transportation providers as well as nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

EPIC and Greater Peoria Mass Transit are set to receive seven vehicles, totaling more than $740,000. The program helps smaller transit agencies navigate the red tape of the public bidding process while ensuring their vehicles meet federal requirements and specifications.

A full list of awardees can be found here.

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in celebrating the opening of a new cutting-edge advanced manufacturing training center at Heartland Community College.

“As a leader in clean energy, the State of Illinois is prioritizing preparing our regional workforce for local jobs in the clean energy economy,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By investing in Heartland Community College’s Electric Vehicle Energy Storage training facility, the State is giving students access to specialized skill training while showing them the vast number of clean energy career opportunities available right here in Illinois.”

Heartland's electric vehicle manufacturing program – which launched at a temporary site in August 2021 – provides students with training, certificates and degrees in Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Technology. The program also provides intensive upskill Electric Vehicle Technology Certificates for individuals with prior traditional automotive training and experience. Additionally, the facility will provide a space for advanced manufacturing programs in robotics, renewable energy and automation.

“The State of Illinois is investing in the clean energy jobs of the future through its support of Heartland Community College’s state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing training facility,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Together, we’re opening the doors to opportunities for Illinois’ world-class workforce by providing them with the tools to pursue meaningful careers in the clean energy industry and beyond.”

The new 45,000-square-foot facility supports approximately 200 construction jobs and incorporates remodeled space to further support programs such as robotics, HVAC, welding and digital media, in addition to the newly constructed State Farm EV Lab.  

Programs like Heartland’s are made possible through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which focuses on building first-of-their kind statewide clean energy jobs training programs and is designed to bolster Illinois' qualified and diverse workforce in the clean energy and EV sectors while supporting communities.

More information about the training center can be found on the Heartland Community College website.