Turner honors, remembers devoted IDOT leader

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure to honor James L. Easterly’s accomplishments and dedication to the state by designating an Illinois Department of Transportation building in his name.

“This is one way for me to honor Mr. Easterly’s mentorship and friendship to Illinois,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “He dedicated his career to public service and to build a better Illinois. I’m honored to carry this measure that honors a true leader for our state and the transportation industry.”

House Joint Resolution 22 designates the Illinois Department of Transportation’s District 6 Headquarters in Springfield as the "James L. Easterly Building." Easterly's accomplishments have made a lasting impression on IDOT and the state.

A registered professional engineer in Illinois, Texas and Missouri, Easterly began working for IDOT after high school and continued until his retirement in May 2003. During his time with IDOT, he served in a variety of capacities, including as resident engineer, statewide construction engineer, and district engineer in Springfield and Collinsville, and finished his career as IDOT Director of Highways. He left a lasting legacy of safety and improvements to the transportation system in Illinois that will stand the test of time and benefit future generations for years to come.

House Joint Resolution 22 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

Turner measure to incentivize gardening heads to governor’s desk

• HB3892

SPRINGFIELD – To promote community gardening, State Senator Doris Turner championed a measure that would provide incentives for affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening.

“Gardening can help households cut down on food costs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Providing affordable housing units an incentive to garden allows residents to have access to nutritional foods right outside their doors.”

House Bill 3892 would allow the Illinois Housing Development Authority to develop a program that provides incentives for affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening.

Turner’s measure would require IHDA to consult with the University of Illinois on the program, work with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to facilitate the distribution of produce from the garden, and provide all necessary tools for the garden.

“Spending time outside gardening can reduce stress and help with a person’s overall physical and mental health,” Turner said.

House Bill 3892 passed the Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk.

Turner secures over $310,000 for local libraries

• Library

SPRINGFIELD – With strong support from State Senator Doris Turner, over $310,000 will be coming to five local libraries in the 48^th Senate District.

“Libraries play a vital role in our communities and for students and residents,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As a strong advocate for education, I know how important it is for students to have the resources they need to be lifelong learners and libraries are a big part of that.”

The Public Library Per Capita Grants are authorized under Illinois library law for public libraries. Each year the program allocates money for books and learning materials, staff, equipment, digital access and new technology. The following libraries in the 48^th District received funding:

• Lincoln Library – $168,731
• Stonington Township Library – $1,464
• Rochester Public Library District – $11,121
• Decatur Public Library – $104,019
• Chatham Area Public Library District – $25,601

More information about the Public Library Per Capita grant program can be found here.

Turner bill to remove duplicate driving test for motorcyclists heads to governor’s desk

• HB2582

SPRINGFIELD – To remove barriers for motorcyclists, State Senator Doris Turner championed a measure through the Senate that would remove the requirement to complete a duplicate driver’s test with the Secretary of State.

“Young motorcyclists have to take repetitive, unnecessary tests to get their license,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Removing this requirement is an easy fix to speed up the process.”

House Bill 2582 would remove the requirement for a motorcyclist under the age of 18 to complete a motorcycle driver's examination with the Secretary of State. Under current law, 16 to 17 year old motorcyclists are required to complete a Cycle Driver Testing Course provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation and an additional examination by the Secretary of State.

“This initiative doesn’t lessen requirements for these drivers, but eases the process by removing a duplicate test,” Turner said. “This is one step we can take to get rid of a redundant process.”

House Bill 2582 passed the Senate and heads to the governor’s desk.