Turner works to revitalize downtown Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to revitalize downtown Springfield, State Senator Doris Turner is working on a measure to bring more economic development and housing to the area.

“The issue I hear most from Springfield residents is ‘fix downtown,’” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We all want downtown to thrive – local leaders, residents, businesses and organizations. That’s why we have to come together and work with those who want the best for the Capital City to revitalize downtown.”

Established in 2003, the Mid-Illinois Medical District is a one-square mile designation in the heart of Springfield just to the north of downtown. The district was created to attract and retain academic centers, viable health care facilities, medical research facilities, emerging high technology enterprises and other facilities.

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Turner advances measure to notify consumers of prescription recalls

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is sponsoring a measure to ensure consumers are aware of any recall on their medications.

“No one should have to read on the internet that their prescription has been recalled,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Hearing from several constituents about this issue made it clear that we need to put a process in place so consumers are directly made aware of any recalls that may affect them.”

Senate Bill 3223 would require pharmacists to monitor medication recalls and notify patients of relevant medication recalls at the point of sale and prescribers in a timely manner. Currently, pharmacists do not have a legal responsibility to notify consumers about drug recalls.

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Turner works to increase awareness of ag education programs

SPRINGFIELD – As a strong advocate of agriculture education, State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure to increase availability of agricultural education programs across Illinois.

“Agriculture is the economic engine of our state,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “From Chicago to Southern Illinois, agriculture plays a role in each and every corner of our state. Students should have the opportunity to know what programs are available.”

Senate Bill 3226 would require the Illinois State Board of Education to submit a report on the status and availability of agricultural education programs statewide. The report would include trends, challenges and barriers, opportunities for expansion, and recommendations to better align agricultural education with workforce and post-secondary opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.

Turner has passed several laws expanding agriculture education, including House Bill 2802, which allows students to participate in other work-based learning activities, like FFA and 4-H, to count toward the daily calculation of school hours. Additionally, Turner passed Senate Bill 1605 last year which ensures agriculture education teachers are compensated for their extra hours of work.

“As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’ve worked to expand ag education so students have the opportunity to see the various avenues and careers the industry has to offer,” said Turner. “I’m committed to continuing to grow Illinois’ agriculture industry, and that begins with training our future ag leaders.”

Senate Bill 3226 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

Turner calls for action to expand students’ access to service animals

SPRINGFIELD – School policies protecting access to service animals for students with disabilities could be strengthened under a proposal led by State Senator Doris Turner that aims to support all students, no matter their needs.

“As we continue to equip our students with resources and support in the classroom, we need to make sure they don’t face setbacks because of a lack of understanding or awareness of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have a responsibility to make sure all students feel welcome at school.”

Students who need service animals in order to equally access public schools are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Turner’s proposal, Senate Bill 2761, would 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.

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