Welcome to Illinois State Senator Doris Turner Legislative Website

Turner law to ensure people know about prescription recalls

People in Illinois will soon have a quicker way to know whether their medications have been recalled thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“People need to be up-to-date on what’s happening with their medications, especially for our seniors,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I heard from a number of constituents who were unaware of recalls on their prescriptions, and it is clear that we need an avenue for people to instantly find answers on medications they take.”

Turner’s law will require licensed pharmacies in Illinois to post a clear and conspicuous sign near their pharmacy counter and drive-up window that includes a QR code informing patients of the ability to sign up for medication recalls via the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website.

The new law will ensure patients can receive instant access to medication recall information without adding new mandates or responsibilities on pharmacists.

Senate Bill 3223 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1.

Turner applauds $103 million ADM investment in Decatur

DECATUR — State Senator Doris Turner fought for increased investment in ADM’s Decatur facility, bringing jobs and economic development to the community.

“ADM’s investment in Decatur is a powerful vote of confidence in our workforce and our community,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This modernization will create new jobs and ensure Central Illinois remains a global leader in agriculture and food processing.”

The $103 million investment builds on Illinois’ position in the agricultural supply chain and boosts the Turner-backed Economic Growth Plan, which focuses on growth industries, including agriculture, agriculture technology and food processing.

The funding will help the company modernize its facilities and add 50 full-time jobs. ADM already has more than 1,000 full-time jobs in Decatur, which is its North American headquarters.

ADM’s Decatur facility is one of the largest integrated agricultural processing hubs in the world, converting corn and soybeans into ingredients, fuels and nutrition products used by food, beverage and industrial customers around the globe.

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Turner secures funding for local fire protection district

SPRINGFIELD – Building on her strong commitment to public safety, State Senator Doris Turner secured nearly $10,000 for the Midland Fire Protection District to help with purchasing new equipment or paying for fire training.

“No matter where you live, you deserve to feel safe in your community,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we invest in public safety, we are investing in residents – putting their well-being first.”

The Volunteer Fire Capacity grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, matches funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training. Funding is passed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to local fire departments and fire training academies.

The 73 grantees provide fire protection to about 250,000 Illinois residents, primarily in rural areas of Illinois. Midland Fire Protection District, located in the district Turner represents, received nearly $10,000.

Additional information about grant requirements and opportunities can be found on IDNR’s website.

Turner sends Downtown Springfield Economic Development Plan to House

SPRINGFIELD – Building on her strong support to bring economic development to Central Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner advanced a package through the Senate to revitalize downtown Springfield.

“I’ve been working with local leaders for four years to find a solution to spur economic development in downtown Springfield,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This plan would do just that. Expanding the Bank of Springfield Center and bringing a headquartered hotel to downtown would create jobs, support small businesses in the area, boost the local economy and breathe new life into downtown.”

House Bill 4496 is a package of economic development initiatives and proposals for the city of Springfield that would promote business, industry, commerce and tourism in Springfield, Sangamon County and Illinois. The Capital City Downtown Medical District would have the authority to construct housing, educational buildings and research facilities. The Capital Area Tourism Authority would exercise certain economic development powers to finance and fund the development and construction of a new convention center hotel and the expansion of the existing Bank of Springfield Convention Center.

To meet the revitalization goals, House Bill 4496 would:

• Establish the Capital Area Tourism Authority, allowing it to exercise certain economic development powers.
• Rename the Mid-Illinois Medical District to the Capital City Downtown Medical District and expand the current boundaries of the medical district from Madison Street to South Grand Avenue, excluding the area designated as part of the master planning area for the Capitol complex.
• Establish a new capital city construction jobs income tax credit and a historical building rehab tax credit.

“The passage of House Bill 4496 will strengthen Springfield’s Downtown and Medical District by creating a substantive mechanism for implementing the Downtown and Medical District Master Plan,” said Mid-Illinois Medical District Commissioner and Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln President and CEO John Stremsterfer. “This is good public policy that will benefit the Capital City for generations to come.”

House Bill 4496 passed the Senate Sunday and heads to the House for concurrence.