Welcome to Illinois State Senator Doris Turner's Legislative Website

Turner announces park district funding now open

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging park districts and municipalities in the 48th District to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant.

“Local parks make our communities beautiful while providing space for families to enjoy the outdoors,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have made historic investments in our local park districts that will have a lasting effect on our neighborhoods.”

This year, $37.5 million in grant funding is available for qualifying applicants. IDNR will provide funding to cover 90% of eligible projects in underserved communities. Eligible projects can include development or renovation of picnic tables, playgrounds, fishing piers, sports courts/fields, park paths and more.

Communities whose parks have been damaged as a result of severe weather are encouraged to apply as well.

OSLAD is a matching state grant program that offers monetary assistance for the acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Since its establishment in 1986, OSLAD has awarded over $675 million for local park projects across the state.

The application is open now and closes on Aug. 31. More information can be found here.

Turner secures over $475,000 for Central Illinois libraries

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced 10 public libraries and school districts across Central Illinois are set to receive more than $475,000 for library services, enhanced programming and construction and security upgrades.

“Libraries provide free access to educational, historical and literacy resources that keep our neighbors informed and equipped with facts,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in our communities, empowering families to learn and grow together.”

More than $27 million was awarded to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries statewide through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants. The funding will support libraries’ investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.

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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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