SPRINGFIELD – Legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that would ensure the preservation of manufacturing jobs in the Peoria area passed the Senate with bipartisan support yesterday.

“The point of this legislation is simple: to keep good-paying jobs in our area,” Koehler said. “Without this tax exemption there is no question that aviation companies would have to take a long look at doing business elsewhere.”

Peoria is home to Byerly Aviation, a company that offers maintenance, charters and aircraft sales.

This legislation would reinstate the Illinois state sales tax exemption for materials used in aircraft manufacturing, which expired Dec. 31, 2014. Since its expiration, the Illinois Department of Revenue audited several privately owned aviation repair companies and never required them to collect sales tax. The Illinois Aviation Trades Association believes the outstanding tax bill is roughly $50 million.

This legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.

SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State address on Wednesday, State Senator Dave Koehler released the following statement:

“Ensuring our downstate communities continue to prosper is of the utmost importance. By passing meaningful property tax reform, creating jobs by implementing the $45 billion infrastructure plan and assisting small businesses ahead of future minimum wage increases we will provide fiscal stability for our communities. I look forward to working with Governor Pritzker as we continue our fight to increase economic security for downstate families.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following the signing of legislation to combat skyrocketing costs of prescription insulin, State Senator Dave Koehler offered the following statement:

“For far too long, people who need this medication to survive have been forced to make the impossible choice between food and housing or prescription medication,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “This life saving medication should be available at a cost that will not break the bank, and with this new law we’re making this a reality for Illinoisans.”

The price of insulin has drastically increased in the United States in the past several years. According to a 2016 analysis, the price of the drug tripled between 2002 and 2013.

1.3 million Illinoisans are living with diabetes and rely on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. Price increases have left many of them struggling to pay for the drug, and at-risk of deadly consequences.

“This truly is common sense legislation, and I’m incredibly proud to have advocated on its behalf,” Koehler said.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the election of a new Senate President, State Senator Dave Koehler offered the following statement:

“I’d like to offer sincere congratulations to President Harmon on the outcome of today’s election,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “Since I’ve known President Harmon he’s demonstrated a fierce commitment to his constituents and to his colleagues, always finding a way to reach a consensus on how to best serve the people of Illinois.”

Lawmakers will return to Springfield on Jan. 28 for the beginning of the spring legislative session.

“With the election behind us, I’m excited to turn my focus to the spring legislative session,” Koehler said. “Between property tax reform, implementation of the infrastructure plan, ethics reform and assisting local communities that have been impacted by power plant closures, there is no shortage of issues our state is facing. The tasks ahead may be difficult, but I’m excited to continue working on behalf of the people in my district.”