Dave Koehler

In the days following the end of the session, Illinois State Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria looked back at the tense spring session.

Public school educators got some of what they wanted in the new state budget, but McLean County superintendents say there are still some issues left unresolved — such as transportation costs.

The Illinois Senate has passed a pair of bills that are intended to lower prescription drug costs for patients and maintain their access to the medications.

A bill that seeks to control the rising cost of prescription drugs while also offering financial help for many small, independent pharmacies in Illinois cleared the General Assembly on Saturday and will soon be sent to Gov. JB Pritzker for his signature.

Illinois has a deep connection to the Underground Railroad. That's why lawmakers are pushing an initiative to preserve sites connected to this key part of history.

The Illinois Senate passed legislation Thursday that would extend press protections to public media outlets, including NPR and PBS affiliates, that are operated by Illinois colleges and universities.

Central Illinois lawmakers had mixed reactions to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State and budget address. Some said they came to the Illinois House floor expecting more transparency about the budget and were disappointed by Pritzker’s focus on federal government and critique of Republican Party.

With budget negotiations around the corner, advocates from across Illinois have written a letter asking Gov. JB Pritzker to include an additional $100 million to the budget for homeless shelter services. That would mark more than a 30% increase over what the state currently spends on the unhoused.

Democratic Sen. Dave Koehler started his sixth term looking to advance legislation in agriculture and environment, but says the state budget causes some uncertainty.

More than 200 historical sites in Illinois have been identified as a part of the Underground Railroad in the state, according to an exploratory task force.