Turner announces funding for Decatur mental health clinic

DECATUR – Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur has been selected to participate in a federal program designed to expand and improve access to coordinated mental health care and substance use treatment, announced State Senator Doris Turner.

“When we invest in behavioral and mental health, we invest in our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Heritage Behavioral Health Center has been an active part of the Decatur community for more than 60 years, and this program ensures people can access the services they need, no matter their income.”

The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration Program provides reimbursement through Medicaid for the full cost of services that CCBHCs provide – at higher rates than what they previously received for Medicaid customers. This program is estimated to bring an additional $150 million into Illinois’ behavioral health system. CCBHCs provide access to a range of services and care coordination through evidence-based practices and other supports based on a community needs assessment. This includes crisis services that are available 24/7. CCBHCs are also required to provide routine outpatient care within 10 business days.

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Turner kicks off annual summer reading program

SPRINGFIELD – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Doris Turner is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“There are a number of positive benefits to reading during the summer months,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This is one way to get kids excited to read while expanding their wealth of knowledge.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Turner’s Springfield, Decatur or Capitol office by Aug. 16. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive an ice cream sundae and a certificate from Senator Turner.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorDorisTurner.com. People with questions can reach out to Turner’s office at 217-782-0228.

Turner votes for budget that prioritizes Central Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement in response to the Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget:

“I only voted for this budget because Central Illinois will get its fair share. Our priorities are represented throughout with strong investments that generate economic development, bring good-paying jobs to our community, rebuild our roads and prioritize our hardworking families. 

“Organizations like Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery, which provide 24-hour childcare services to Sangamon County parents, will have the opportunity to expand under this plan. Investing in critical programs, like crisis nurseries, has been a top priority of mine, and I am proud to bring this new funding to the 48^th District.”

Turner designates soybean as official state bean

• Soy Bean State
• HB 4439

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner passed an important measure through the Senate that designates the soybean as the official state bean of Illinois.

“The 48^th Senate District is home to the soybean capital of the world – Decatur, Illinois,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When designating state symbols, we have to recognize the impact the soybean has on our economy and the number of jobs it creates.”

House Bill 4439 would designate the soybean as the official state bean of Illinois. According to the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois is the No. 1 soybean-producing state in the country, with 15% of all U.S. soybeans being produced in Illinois.

"As the largest soybean-producing state, we commend Senator Doris Turner and the General Assembly in passing House Bill 4439 to recognize the importance of soybeans to Illinois agriculture on the 60th Anniversary of the Illinois Soybean Association," said Illinois Soybean Association Chairman Ron Kindred.

House Bill 4439 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.