Turner mourns the senseless death of Springfield DCFS employee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement regarding the tragic loss of life of Deidra Silas, a Department of Children and Family Services’ employee. Silas was stabbed to death in Thayer Tuesday afternoon while performing a home visit.

“The senseless death of Deidre Silas, a DCFS investigator who dedicated her career to helping at-risk youth, is devastating. My heart goes out to all who love her during this difficult time.”

“The work is challenging, and can clearly be dangerous. One death in the line of service is too many. We must do a better job of protecting those who serve in positions like these.”

Turner: Illinois extends driver's license and ID card expiration dates

 SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is reminding Illinois drivers they will now have an additional three months to renew their licenses.

“With the predicted surge in COVID-19 cases around the state, it’s important to take as many steps to slow the spread of the disease as much as we can,” Turner said. “Many services have been made available online, so I encourage you to take full advantage of the new extension and the secretary of state’s website.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced Friday that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards has been extended an additional three months to March 31, 2022. However, the new expiration date does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations.

To cut down on long lines and wait times, people can visit of the secretary of state’s online services at ilsos.gov. These services include:

• Renewing a vehicle registration;
• Applying for a vehicle title and registration;
• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;
• Obtaining a driving record abstract;
• Renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.

Turner is also reminding residents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities.

For more information and to take advantage of online services, including license plate renewal, people can visit ilsos.gov.

Turner: $1.4 million in state funding invested in the Taylorville Airport

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) announced a $1.4 million state investment to help maintain and upgrade the Taylorville Municipal Airport on Wednesday.

“The Taylorville Municipal Airport provides good-paying jobs and economic stability to our community,” said Turner. “The new funding will allow for improvements to runway rehabilitation, which is critical in ensuring the safety of our commuters.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Taylorville Municipal Airport is set to receive $1.4 million for construction to the airport’s runway.

“The Illinois aviation system is one of the largest in the nation,” said Turner. “These funds will help maintain and develop the area to help workers thrive after such a tough year.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed on the Department of Transportation’s website.

Turner’s plan to revitalize local neighborhoods signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) that will extend the Enos Park tax increment financing district was signed into law by the governor on Tuesday.

“This is a major win for Springfield, the Enos Park Neighborhood and the Mid Illinois Medical District,” Turner said. “The Enos Park TIF district has been instrumental in revitalizing our neighborhoods and a great tool in the expansion of the central Illinois region.”

Senate Bill 1139 will extend the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in Enos Park for another 12 years. The legislation will provide extra support to keep independent small businesses and neighborhoods alive by permitting local municipalities to use TIF funds to establish loans and grants.

The newly built YMCA on Carpenter Street is an example of the success the TIF district has brought to the community.

Senate Bill 1139 was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022