Turner law designates official state bean

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois will soon have an official state bean starting Jan. 1, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Our state’s symbols highlight the important pieces that make Illinois what it is,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “The soybean powers our farms, fuels our economy and feeds our future.”

Turner’s law designates the soybean as the official state bean of Illinois.

According to the Illinois Soybean Association, as of 2021, Illinois is the top soybean producing state with an average yield of 64 bushels per acre, totaling over 672 million bushels. Illinois soybeans are exported to 82 countries and are used for a variety of products.

“Illinois is the largest soybean producing state, and that deserves recognition,” said Turner. “Without our soybean farmers, we wouldn’t have the food supply, sustainable biodiesel and more. Their hard work does not go unnoticed.”

House Bill 4439 takes effect Jan. 1.

Turner’s ‘Sonya Massey law’ takes effect Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the horrific murder of Sonya Massey, State Senator Doris Turner worked to address police hiring practices. A comprehensive review of prospective law enforcement officers prior to hiring will be required starting Jan. 1.

“The murder of Sonya Massey shattered our community,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This is something that happens on TV – not in my hometown and not involving someone that is an integral part of my life. Since then, I have worked diligently to bring justice for Sonya, the only thing her mother asked for.”

Turner’s law requires law enforcement agencies to conduct a more comprehensive review of a prospective officer’s past employment to ensure his or her 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 sheriff’s deputies and other personnel, Turner’s law expands the creation of sheriff’s merit boards and sheriff’s merit commissions for counties with a population of at least 75,000.

“With this law in effect, I feel confident that going forward our communities and law enforcement will build a trusting relationship,” said Turner. “Now, I will have kept my promise to my friend and Sonya’s mother.”

Senate Bill 1953 takes effect Jan. 1.

Turner launches annual holiday card drive for local seniors

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is kicking off her annual holiday card drive to spread cheer this holiday season for residents at local long-term care facilities.

“We often lose track of what’s most important this season – and that’s spreading joy,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Everyone enjoys a small, yet meaningful, act of kindness during the holidays.”

Turner is encouraging residents to write handmade or store-bought cards to help bring joy to older adults who may be feeling lonely or isolated during the holidays. Children are also encouraged to participate.

Cards can be mailed or delivered now through Dec. 17 to Turner’s Capitol office located at 401 S. Spring St., Section F, Office B, Springfield, IL 62706 or Turner’s Decatur office located at 1210 S. Jasper St., Decatur, IL 62321.

For more information, contact Turner’s office at 217-782-0228.

Turner supports legislation to give property tax relief to seniors

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner backed a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.

“Seniors worked their entire lives to build a foundation for themselves,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By expanding the number of seniors who qualify for property tax breaks, more seniors will get to stay in the homes they’ve worked their entire lives to build.”

Senate bill 642 would deliver critical updates to help seniors on fixed incomes and help families facing economic challenges manage rising property tax costs. Under the measure, the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption would increase substantially over the next several years, beginning at $75,000 for taxable year 2026, increasing to $77,000 for taxable year 2027 and settling at $79,000 for taxable year 2028 and beyond.

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