Welcome to Illinois State Senator Doris Turner's Legislative Website

Turner encourages local organizations to apply for pre-apprenticeship funding

SPRINGFIELD – To expand the 48th District talent pipeline and boost diversity in Illinois’ construction and building trades, State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging local community-based organizations to apply for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. 

“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program continues to be successful across the state, especially here in Central Illinois and the 48th District,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This program provides an opportunity to acquire skills that will help foster long-term career success.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with the goal of increasing access to apprenticeship programs to a more diverse pool of candidates. These comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide graduates a greater opportunity to start a long-term career in the trades. Since the program’s inception, Illinois Works has awarded over $70 million to community-based organizations serving over 7,000 Illinois residents.

Participants of the program attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive barrier reduction services to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry-aligned certifications, which will prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit, community-based organizations, such as industry associations, chambers of commerce, local workforce areas, community colleges, technical schools and school districts. To view the Notice of Funding Opportunity and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for application assistance.

Turner announces funding for 48th District libraries, literacy programs

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is proud to announce six libraries in the 48th District will be receiving nearly $750,000 for literacy program enhancements, workplace skills development and more.

“Libraries are the cornerstone of every community, and this funding will ensure they continue to serve everyone,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “People of all ages can benefit from the educational resources, programming, and the number of other services offered by our libraries, making this funding so crucial.”

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. The grants will enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs.

Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

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Turner law expands opportunities for students with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – To increase awareness of work incentives for students with a disability, schools are now required to share informational materials with parents and guardians under a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“We have to ensure students, no matter their disability, are set up for success,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Programs, jobs and opportunities are out there – we need to take the extra step to make sure families and students know and understand them so the student can thrive as they transition out of high school.”

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program is a federally funded initiative created to help individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income make informed choices about employment. House Bill 4581 requires informational materials on the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program to be provided to a student and the student's parent or guardian at both the initial transition planning meeting convened for a student with a disability by the school district and during the student's final year in high school.

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Turner law strengthens school policies for service animals

SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner will strengthen school policies that protect access to service animals for students with disabilities.

“Students with service animals will no longer face setbacks because of a lack of understanding of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to ensure students feel welcome at school, no matter their needs.”

Students who need service animals in order to equally access public schools are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Senate Bill 2761 will set the tone for school environments that value diversity and inclusion by adding training on the proper handling of service animals in the school setting to the ADA training teachers, administrators and school support personnel already receive.

Turner’s law came in response to an incident involving a Rochester High School student who utilizes a medical alert dog to manage her Type 1 diabetes – alerting the student when her blood sugar drops too low and helping her stay alive. In November, the student reported harassment from other students at a school board meeting, claiming her peers would step on her Labrador’s legs – hurting his hips – pull his tail, throw food at him and bark at him in the hallways. In a video posted by the student on social media, she spoke about the issues and said the school district has not taken action to protect her service animal.

“After meeting with the Rochester student, I knew we needed to take action on a long-overdue proposal so her teachers can access essential information about the protections she and other students are entitled to,” said Turner. “Students and families who rely on accommodations need to be met with compassion – not discrimination.”

Senate Bill 2761 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1.