Written by Koehler Staff Wednesday, 13 January 2010 00:00
In his speech today, Quinn emphasized the need to lay a strong foundation for future economic growth and create a culture of work. He particularly emphasized the potential of job growth in green-collar jobs, mentioning renewable energy sources like bio-fuel and wind turbines. Sen. Koehler has long been a strong advocate of green technology development and has sponsored legislation supporting Peoria-area industries that work in the green manufacturing field. "I also believe that Governor Quinn struck a good balance between the challenges we are facing in the upcoming session and the steps we’ve already taken to set Illinois down the right path," said Koehler. "We have a long, difficult road ahead of us. We have to come up with a budget that addresses the State’s multi-billion dollar deficit, but it’s important to note that we haven’t been idle." Quinn acknowledged that the recession has had a dire impact on the state budget, but he pointed out steps that he and the General Assembly have taken to restore the people’s faith in state government and to begin to reform the deficit. "Creating jobs and putting in place a budget that allows the State to pay its bills on time are my top priorities this year," Koehler said. "Good jobs in good industries are what Illinois needs to climb out of this recession. Lowering the unemployment rate will also ease the strain on the State’s budget. As a small business owner, I know the challenges entrepreneurs face in this economy, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to help bring more innovative businesses to this state."
SPRINGFIELD— Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) agrees with Governor Quinn that creating and keeping jobs in Illinois should be the top priority this legislative session.
"I agree with Governor Quinn that job growth is the key to revitalizing our state—especially long-term jobs with strong growth potential," said Koehler. "With Illinois’s unemployment rate nearing 11 percent and the state bleeding manufacturing jobs, we must find a sustainable job solution. I believe the governor is on the right track when he points to emerging technologies like renewable energy and biotechnology."
Senator Koehler Menu
46th District
Years served: Appointed December 2006, Elected 2008 - Present
Committee assignments: Agriculture and Conservation, Energy (Vice-Chair), Labor, Sub-Committee on Special Issues, Local Government, Chair), Sub-Committee on Amendments (Chair), Redistricting, Sub-Committee on Redistricting I, Transporation
Biography: Born and raised in South Dakota. Received Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971 from Yankton College - Yankton, South Dakota. Masters of Divinity; United Theological Seminary - Dayton, Ohio. Former Staff member, National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM). Former Community organizer and program manager for Peoria Friendship House. Former Executive Director - Peoria Area Labor Management Council (PALM). Former President for Labor Management Cooperative Health Programs, Inc. Peoria County Board (1982-1988). Peoria City Council (1989-1997). He and his wife, Nora Sullivan, are the owners of the Peoria Bread Company, an artisan whole grain bakery in Peoria. They have three daughters, a son-in-law and one granddaughter.