Turner invites residents to upcoming senior fair

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is inviting residents to attend a senior resource fair on Monday, Nov. 11.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army of Springfield located at 1600 E. Clear Lake Ave. in Springfield. It is free and open to the public.

“The event will give seniors a one-stop shop to learn more about state and local resources available in our community,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This is a great opportunity to provide our neighbors with resources and information to help them stay safe, informed and healthy.”

Seniors will be able to ask questions and obtain information from a variety of service and health care providers, state programs and local groups.

People with questions can reach out to Turner’s office at 217-782-0228 or SenatorDorisTurner.com.

Springfield Urban League receives $850,000 to navigate health coverage options, Turner announces

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced that the Springfield Urban League, Inc. is set to receive $850,000 to help residents enroll in health coverage options.

“With this grant, Springfield and surrounding area residents will have direct, local assistance to help navigate complicated health care plans,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “People need to find an insurance that fits their needs, and this program will streamline the process.”

Five health care organizations across Illinois have been awarded a total of $6.5 million in grants through the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program for Plan Year 2025. The grantees will help eligible Illinois residents enroll in health coverage options and affordability programs available through Illinois’ new state-based marketplace, Get Covered Illinois.

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Turner secures nearly $330,000 for Springfield, Decatur literacy programs

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner secured nearly $330,000 to support six literacy programs in Springfield and Decatur.

“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 their initiatives, and I can't wait to witness the remarkable advancements in technology and programming."

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs across the state.

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Turner secures funding for Springfield planning projects

SPRINGFIELD – To enhance much-needed transportation improvements across the state, State Senator Doris Turner joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in announcing nearly $9.5 million for 20 organizations to support their planning and developing efforts, including $240,000 for Springfield and Sangamon County.

“Springfield and Sangamon County continue to grow,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Time, planning and research go into every aspect of transportation projects. I’m all in for investing in the studies around the region that are bound to benefit our region for years to come.”

Administered by IDOT using $7.5 million in federal funds, the grants are designed to advance the objectives of the agency’s Long-Range Transportation Plan. Among the criteria considered were projects that implement asset-management strategies and performance-based planning and programming, as well as activities that grow and support economically distressed areas.

Applicants included local and state agencies, universities, metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning commissions. The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission, located in Turner’s district, will receive $240,000 for the West Loop/South Growth Area study updates.

For the full list of awards and breakdown of funding sources, visit IDOT’s planning page.