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.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Dave Koehler to make certain that parents and guardians of students enrolled in special education programs have access to their children’s mental health records has passed the Illinois Senate.

“Parents need reliable access to critical information about their child’s mental health, especially when it comes to special education services,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Passing this bill gives families the tools they need to advocate for their child’s educational and emotional well-being effectively.”

House Bill 2994 would allow parents or guardians of students receiving special education services to access their child’s mental health records regarding services the parent or guardian consented to on the child’s behalf. Additionally, a designated representative of a student who is 18 or older would also have access to these records. This measure strengthens communication and helps close the information gap between families, teachers and school administrators.

Under current law, parental access to these records can be unclear or limited as students grow older, potentially hindering effective care coordination.

“With this legislation, we’re creating greater transparency between families, schools and care providers,” Koehler said. “It confirms that students will receive consistent and informed support from everyone involved in their education.”

House Bill 2994 passed the Senate on Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading legislation to ease the financial burden on student teachers and provide incentives for experienced educators to mentor Illinois’ next generation of teachers.

“Our state needs talented, dedicated teachers and that starts with removing some of the financial hurdles students face when pursuing an education degree,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This program will help aspiring teachers afford the costs of student teaching while rewarding experienced educators who guide them along the way.”

House Bill 1375 would establish a stipend program through the Illinois Board of Higher Education, offering student teachers stipends of up to $10,000 per semester for a maximum of two consecutive semesters. The program also would include stipends of $2,000 per semester for cooperating teachers who mentor student teachers, which are also limited to two consecutive semesters each year.

The program is set to reduce the financial strain on education majors during the critical student-teaching phase and incentivize experienced educators to continue mentoring.

“By supporting student teachers, we’re laying the ground work for quality education in classrooms across Illinois,” Koehler said. “This bill sends a clear message that Illinois prioritizes education and those who choose to teach.”

House Bill 1375 was heard today in the Senate Appropriations – Education Committee and awaits further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading a measure to ensure parents and guardians of students who receive special needs services can access their children's mental health records.

"Parents are essential in supporting their children's education and well-being," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "This bill ensures they have the information needed to make informed decisions about their child's care."

House Bill 2994 would allow parents or guardians of students receiving special education services to inspect and obtain copies of their child’s mental health records, regardless of the child's age. The legislation would also ensure designated representatives of students who are 18 or older and involved in special education services have the same access, enabling better communication and informed decision-making for families and caretakers.

 “By improving access to these records, we empower families to better advocate for their children's needs,” Koehler said. “This is a step toward creating more transparent and supportive educational environments.”

House Bill 2994 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.