Turner secures over $310,000 for five Central Illinois libraries

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced five Central Illinois libraries are set to receive a combined total of nearly $311,000 for library services and programming.

“Libraries are so much more than just books – they are vibrant community hubs and cutting-edge technology centers," said Turner (D-Springfield). "Grants tailored for libraries are an incredible way to empower the community they serve."

Through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program, 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in grants. Libraries may use the funds to support resources and services for their communities, including books, e-books, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital expenditures.

Five libraries in the district Turner represents received over $310,000 in funding, including:

• Chatham Area Public Library District, $25,602
• Decatur Public Library, $104,020
• Rochester Public Library District, $11,122
• Lincoln Library, $168,731
• Stonington Township Library, $1,465

More information on available library grants can be found here.

Turner launches annual Summer Book Club

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.

“During summer break, it’s important to keep kids’ minds sharp,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Reading over the summer helps students engage in educational material and increase their knowledge before the next school year.”

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. 15. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Turner.

Summer Book Club forms can be filled out here. People with questions can reach out to Turner’s office at 217-782-0228 or SenatorDorisTurner.com.

Turner champions measure expanding ag education

SPRINGFIELD – As a strong advocate for ag education, State Senator Doris Turner spearheaded a measure through the Senate to expand hands-on learning for FFA and 4-H students to count toward school hours.

“Students have been jeopardized for missing school because of FFA and 4-H events, fairs and competitions,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “The hands-on experience there goes a long way in helping a student decide what to focus on in college and their future career.”

Building on Turner’s 2023 law, House Bill 2802 would allow participation in supervised career development experiences and other approved work-based learning activities to count toward the daily calculation of school clock hours.

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Turner measure to prioritize patients over profit passes General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD – Anesthesia services, regardless of duration, would be cover by insurance companies under a measure led by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Insurance companies have taken advantage of people for far too long,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Insurance coverage isn’t a timeshare, and companies shouldn’t have the ability to sell plans like this.”

House Bill 1141 would require private insurers and all state group health plans to cover medically necessary anesthesia services, regardless of duration, for any procedure covered by the policy. 

Turner’s initiative comes in response to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's proposed policy change that would have placed a time limit on anesthesia in New York, Missouri and Connecticut. The company announced that it would begin setting a specific amount of time it would cover anesthesia costs for, depending on the procedure. After the time limit is reached, patients would have to pay out-of-pocket for the remaining anesthesia.

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