Turner secures nearly $400,000 in grant funding for summer violence prevention programs

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority announced two grants totaling more than $340,000 for organizations in Springfield and Decatur to offer pro-social activities that may reduce violence and victimization or provide increased street intervention to young people and emerging adults aged 10 to 25 this summer.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for young people in these areas,” Turner said. “I’ve been working to address the root causes of violence since the start of my political career. I’m so proud of the work done on this initiative. These grants will increase programming, job opportunities, and provide safe spaces for our kids.”

The grants are part of the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew Program, created to promote equity within the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, which was signed by Gov. Pritzker in 2019. The Act states 25% of all cannabis revenue must be used to support communities harmed by violence, excessive incarceration and economic disinvestment.

Twenty-one agencies were selected to receive to receive grant money, including The Outlet in Springfield and Youth with a Positive Direction in Decatur. Grant awards will support three months of programming, from July 1 to Sept. 30.

Affordable housing for community college students becomes law

 SPRINGFIELD – Community college boards of trustees and local housing authorities will now have authority to develop affordable housing for community college students, under a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (D—Springfield).

“This is about bettering the college experience for every student in this state,” said Turner. “Research shows that students who live on campus have higher GPAs. When students live on campus they are more plugged-in to the campus community and have more opportunities to join clubs, attend events and meet new people.”

Traditionally, community colleges do not have the right to own student housing. In order for community colleges to develop affordable housing for students, the process must be administered through a local Housing Authority or nonprofit organization.

Those speaking out in favor of House Bill 374 also suggest that restricted housing on community college campuses fails to meet the needs of every student. Traditionally, community colleges have catered to students living within a reasonable driving distance of the school, but while that arrangement works for some students, more students are facing a lengthy and costly commute. That can present a challenging barrier to those living at a distance, including international students.

Senator Turner spends a day in Litchfield, tours Pickers Market and Route 66 museum

 SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) spent her Sunday like a Litchfield tourist, checking out several attractions in the area with Litchfield Mayor Steve Dougherty and City Administrator Tonya Flannery.

“I am really taking advantage of the state reopening, now that we can all come together to enjoy events again,” said Senator Turner. “One thing I like most about being in office is getting out and getting to know constituents. This has been a hard year for everyone, so I encourage residents to go out and enjoy local activities.”

During her first stop, Turner enjoyed a walk through the Litchfield Pickers Market. The market, held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every second Sunday of the month from May to October, gives visitors a look at vintage items, antiques and collectibles. All items sold at the market date back to 1980 or prior.

Senator Turner also trailed along the historic Illinois Route 66 before coming to a stop at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center. The museum has been open since 2013 and proudly welcomes visitors from around the world.

The museum features displays of Route 66 memorabilia, including Bob Waldmire maps and drawings, an original Route 66 road sign, a gas pump, an old automobile, a history section which includes portraits of old country schools as well as town schools, teachers, administration, graduates and much more.

“I had a great time learning about the fascinating history of Litchfield and Route 66 in Illinois,” said Senator Turner. “There’s so much to learn about Central Illinois, and really, Illinois as a whole.”

The Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center reopened to the general public in February after easing COVID-19 restrictions. To plan a free tour, visit http://www.litchfieldmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/ .

Turner celebrates $4 Million in grant money for bike paths in Decatur

 SPRINGFIELD –The City of Decatur will see a combined $4 million investment in bike paths and sidewalks, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) announced Monday.

“This is a great investment for the city of Decatur, especially as we head into the warmest months of the year,” Said Turner. “This grant creates an opportunity for safe activities for families, residents and cyclist.”

Residents of the Central Illinois area will see improvements to Stevens Creek Bikeway 2A and Decatur Route 51 Bike/Walkway.

The Park District will use the grant funding to acquire 31.7 acres of land located in the northwest portion of Decatur. The land will allow for access to the current 10-foot-wide asphalt bike trail, which is 9.8 miles long with an additional 1.5 miles under development. The new gain in land will help complete the final 2 miles of the Stevens Creek Bikeway.

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investment include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

Learn more about the program, eligible projects and the application process here.