Turner introduces measures in response to tragic murder of Sonya Massey

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner has introduced two measures in response to the murder of Sonya Massey last year.

“Sonya’s death should have never happened,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Since that fatal day, I have worked with state and county officials, law enforcement and community members to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Alongside Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter, we created the Massey Commission to address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses, and community relations. Both of these measures came directly from the commission.”

Senate Bill 1953 would require law enforcement agencies to conduct a more comprehensive review of a prospective officer’s past employment to ensure his or her physical and psychological fitness for duty as a police officer before making an offer of employment. To ensure the highest degree of integrity and professionalism in the hiring process of sheriffs’ deputies and other personnel, the legislation would expand the creation of sheriff’s merit boards and sheriff’s merits commissions for counties with a population of at least 75,000.

Additionally, Turner is leading Senate Bill 1954 that would allow the recall of a countywide elected official to be put on the ballot by either the county board or a petition signed by 5% of the county’s registered voters or 1,000 registered voters, whichever is less, based on the size of the county.

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Turner, Fine outline measures to prioritize new mothers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Laura Fine and Doris Turner held a press conference Tuesday to introduce two measures that would support new mothers when it comes to feeding their babies.

“Working mothers are constantly juggling to find balance to provide for their children not only financially, but also emotionally and nutritionally,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This measure will support working mothers by providing them time to breastfeed their baby during the work day without having to risk their economic interests.”

Fine’s measure, Senate Bill 212, would require employers to provide 30 minutes of paid break time to nursing mothers so they may express or "pump" breast milk for their child. Under current law, employers are required to provide a reasonable amount of time to nursing mothers to pump breast milk during the day. However, there’s no requirement that it be paid time and reasonable is not defined.

The Turner-led measure, Senate Bill 206, would require Medicaid to provide hypoallergenic formula when prescribed by a physician. Currently, Illinois' Women, Infants and Children program allows only certain infant formulas to be purchased using WIC funds, including one hypoallergenic option.

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Turner secures grant awards for economic growth

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner secured over $3 million in awards for infrastructure projects in Decatur and Springfield from the Regional Site Readiness Program.

"We are committed to investing in the hardworking people of Central Illinois by boosting our economy and expanding job opportunities," said Turner (D-Springfield). "These projects will ensure we are in the best possible position to attract new job creators and take on future growth opportunities."

Through the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is investing in the full spectrum of industrial site readiness needs on sites over 50-acres throughout the state.

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Dana-Thomas House receives $6.6 million thanks to strong support from Turner

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner secured $6.6 million to make improvements to the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield.

“The Dana-Thomas House is home to historic features designed by the well-known architect Frank Lloyd Wright,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we invest in our state’s historic sites, we invest in the community, boosting the local economy and inviting people from across the country to Illinois.”

Through the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan, five projects across the state received a combined total of more than $60 million in investments. The projects aim to address essential repairs, including water and wastewater systems, trail and bridge replacements, and site preservation efforts.

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