State Senator Dave Koehler and the Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force have introduced a statewide plan to link existing and new projects into a cohesive network that highlights the Underground Railroad's historical legacy in Illinois. The initiative aims to create educational and tourism opportunities that honor the state's role in the struggle for freedom.

Established through legislation led by Koehler, the task force has spent the last year crafting a strategy to share and celebrate the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois. Their plan includes the recommendation to create and fund the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission. This commission would research, commemorate, and promote sites linked to the journeys of freedom seekers, working in collaboration with local organizations and partnering with similar entities in neighboring states to establish a unified approach to showcasing this important history.

"With our report now in the Illinois Legislature's hands, we have the opportunity to lay a foundation for educating, celebrating, and honoring these revered Illinois figures," said Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman, who served on the task force. "I thank Senator Koehler for leading the legislation that has brought us to this point. It's been an honor to serve with such distinguished colleagues."

Senator Koehler is set to work with his fellow legislators in the coming months to bring these recommendations to life, strengthening Illinois's historical education and tourism through this unique initiative.