Springfield Urban League receives $850,000 to navigate health coverage options, Turner announces

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced that the Springfield Urban League, Inc. is set to receive $850,000 to help residents enroll in health coverage options.

“With this grant, Springfield and surrounding area residents will have direct, local assistance to help navigate complicated health care plans,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “People need to find an insurance that fits their needs, and this program will streamline the process.”

Five health care organizations across Illinois have been awarded a total of $6.5 million in grants through the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program for Plan Year 2025. The grantees will help eligible Illinois residents enroll in health coverage options and affordability programs available through Illinois’ new state-based marketplace, Get Covered Illinois.

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Turner secures nearly $330,000 for Springfield, Decatur literacy programs

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner secured nearly $330,000 to support six literacy programs in Springfield and Decatur.

“Libraries are so much more than just books – they are vibrant community hubs and cutting-edge technology centers," said Turner (D-Springfield). "Grants tailored for libraries are an incredible way to empower their initiatives, and I can't wait to witness the remarkable advancements in technology and programming."

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs across the state.

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Turner secures funding for Springfield planning projects

SPRINGFIELD – To enhance much-needed transportation improvements across the state, State Senator Doris Turner joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in announcing nearly $9.5 million for 20 organizations to support their planning and developing efforts, including $240,000 for Springfield and Sangamon County.

“Springfield and Sangamon County continue to grow,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Time, planning and research go into every aspect of transportation projects. I’m all in for investing in the studies around the region that are bound to benefit our region for years to come.”

Administered by IDOT using $7.5 million in federal funds, the grants are designed to advance the objectives of the agency’s Long-Range Transportation Plan. Among the criteria considered were projects that implement asset-management strategies and performance-based planning and programming, as well as activities that grow and support economically distressed areas.

Applicants included local and state agencies, universities, metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning commissions. The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission, located in Turner’s district, will receive $240,000 for the West Loop/South Growth Area study updates.

For the full list of awards and breakdown of funding sources, visit IDOT’s planning page.

Illinois state flag design submissions now open, Turner announces

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined members of the Illinois Flag Commission at a press conference Thursday to announce residents can now submit new flag designs.

“History is living, breathing and ever-evolving,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We need to ensure government is evolving with the times so people are engaged and a part of what is going on across the state. My hope is that Illinois’ flag will truly represent Illinois – a state with a strong workforce, an agriculture champion and so much more.”

Turner led Senate Bill 1818 to create the Illinois Flag Commission to develop new state flag designs. The commission will make recommendations to the General Assembly deciding whether the current state flag should be replaced with a redesigned state flag by April 1, 2025.

“Considering our state flag has remained essentially the same for more than 100 years, I’m excited to see the creativity and the passion of the new designs,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office chairs the Flag Commission. “I thank Senator Turner and Representative Buckner for sponsoring this legislation that not only gives the public an opportunity to create a new flag, but to vote on one that exemplifies and celebrates our great state.”

Public submissions for a new state flag design will be accepted now until Oct. 18. People can submit designs here.

“As an historian, it is exciting to witness states across the country examine their changing identity to see if our state flags reflect the progress made since the flags were designed,” said Tandra Taylor, interim director for the Institute for Community Justice and Racial Equity at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. “The Illinois state flag, like other states’, has not significantly changed in about 100 years. Yet so many things have changed about our state’s identity and values. I’m proud to be a part of the commission responsible for considering the future of Illinois’ flag.”

The commission will select 10 designs based on how they reflect the identity of Illinois and will host an online public survey for the public to vote on their favorites or to keep the current flag. Voting will begin Jan. 1 and last six weeks.

“Flags come from heraldry, from a time in history when soldiers would come from the same small area and go to fight far from home,” said Doctor of American Studies and Folklore Ben Aldred. “A flag was a symbol that helped you stay together, reunite with your friends, remember where you came from and what you fought for. Finding the right flag means finding the people who share your definition of home. That’s the chance we have here, to help define what that home means to us and the statement we make to the world together.”

Residents with questions can reach out to Turner’s office at 217-782-0228.