PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is happy to share that nearly $1 million in state grant funding will go to supporting the Central Illinois Community Development Corporation’s South Village Homes Project in Peoria.

“This is major funding for the future of Peoria’s South Village neighborhood,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “It’s about creating safe, affordable housing and revitalizing our community so families can thrive.”

The Central Illinois Community Development Corporation will receive $999,735.19 for the South Village Homes Project. The project is designed to expand the availability of quality, affordable housing, improve neighborhood stability and support community growth.

“These grants send a clear message that every neighborhood deserves the resources to build a stronger community,” Koehler said. “I will continue advocating for projects that improve quality of life and create lasting economic opportunities for Peoria residents.”

The grant is funded through state programs designed to support local development initiatives in historically disadvantaged and underserved communities. You can find a full list of grant recipients here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is happy to share the quality investments in community health care services as part of the state’s newly approved Fiscal Year 2026 budget. He emphasized crucial funding for federally qualified health centers, and charitable clinics throughout Illinois.

“This year’s budget demonstrates our commitment to providing all Illinois residents with high-quality access to health care,” Koehler (D-Peoria) stated. “Our Investment in community-based providers makes certain that essential healthcare services remain available and open for vulnerable residents both in the 46^th district and across the state.”

The budget allocates meaningful funding for federally qualified health centers (and safety net hospitals which will help reinforce their ability to serve uninsured and underinsured residents of Illinois. Additionally, free and charitable clinics will receive increased support, allowing them to continue providing essential care to patients who might otherwise lack access to necessary services.

In addition to those, Koehler successfully passed legislation addressing pharmacy benefit manager practices, safeguarding patient access to medications, and protecting pharmacies engaged in the federal 340B prescription drug program. The Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act and Prescription Drug Affordability Act passed this session, and are receiving funding through the governor’s budget.

“Health care should be accessible to all, and Illinois is taking the correct steps to make healthcare more affordable. These investments have the chance to help shape the health and well-being of families,” Koehler said. “By supporting critical access to places like safety-net hospitals, local clinics, and community pharmacies, we are one step closer to making sure that no resident of Illinois is left behind.”

The Fiscal Year 2026 budget passed the Senate Saturday.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Dave Koehler led a resolution to urge the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to assess the state’s capacity to provide comprehensive care for individuals with brain injuries.

“This resolution seeks a thorough evaluation of our state’s resources and needs,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “It’s time we ensure Illinois residents receive the care they deserve, right here at home, without unnecessary costs associated with out-of-state care.”

Senate Joint Resolution 30 calls for an in-depth study of Illinois’ current care system for brain injury rehabilitation. Currently, Illinois Medicaid funds out-of-state specialized rehabilitation services—even though comparable services can be provided by in-state providers such as Sevita’s NeuroRestorative program, which operates in Bloomington, Carbondale and the Chicago area.

NeuroRestorative offers services that help individuals avoid institutionalization, leading to better outcomes and lower costs for the state. Yet, Illinois Medicaid has struggled to fund such specialized in-state programs due to reimbursement limitations, forcing individuals to seek care out-of-state.

SJR 30 was adopted by the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Dave Koehler has led a resolution urging Illinois’ small and mid-size manufacturing industries to establish a task force to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and growth.

“Manufacturers are essential to our economy and job creation across Illinois,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “By forming this industry-led task force, we give businesses the opportunity to shape solutions that directly address their needs, boosting their ability to thrive and expand.”

The resolution, initiated by the Technology & Manufacturing Association, seeks to empower manufacturers to identify regulatory barriers and propose legislative solutions. The TMA previously advocated for reducing regulatory burdens but highlighted challenges in pinpointing specific regulations hindering industry growth.

The proposed task force will develop clear, actionable recommendations to boost the growth and sustainability of Illinois’ manufacturing sector. Notably, the resolution heightens industry expertise and does not mandate legislative participation, making certain recommendations come directly from manufacturing leaders.

“It’s crucial that policy decisions affecting our businesses are informed by those who understand the day-to-day impacts,” Koehler added. “This resolution will facilitate meaningful collaboration between the industry and policymakers.”

SJR 31 has been adopted by the Senate.