Turner-led measure promoting ag education passes the Senate

• Ag Education

SPRINGFIELD – To prioritize agricultural education experiences, State Senator Doris Turner spearheaded a measure through the Senate that allows students to count hours that they participate in a work-based learning experience as hours of school work, including Future Farmers of America or 4-H program competitions or exhibitions.

”Students learn through experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’ve been a strong advocate for ag education and want to ensure students aren’t being jeopardized for attending FFA and 4-H program events. These programs provide hands-on experience in the agriculture industry which is prominent here in Illinois.”

House Bill 3814 would allow students to count hours that they participate in a work-based learning experience as hours of school work. The measure would include participation in scheduled events of state and national Future Farmers of America associations as well as 4-H programs as part of organized competitions or exhibitions – something Turner advocates strongly for.

Illinois FFA is a youth organization that prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth organization across the state aimed at teaching practical skills to youth by offering lessons in communications, leadership, career development, livestock, home improvement and computer technology.

“When events like fairs and competitions conflict with school schedules, students have been penalized for missing school” Turner said. “As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a member of the Senate Education Committee, I know the valuable experiences students get from participating in hands-on learning. This is one step forward to continue encouraging students to learn about agriculture and what the industry has to offer.”

House Bill 3814 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

Springfield receives over $730,000 for tourism industry with support from Turner

• Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – With strong support from State Senator Doris Turner, over $730,000 will be coming to Springfield to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to drive along the historic Route 66 and enjoy Illinois.

“Springfield has so much to offer, especially with the history here of Route 66,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Investing in our communities will draw visitors and show them that Springfield and the entire state are great places to visit!”

The Route 66 Grant Program awarded $3.7 million in funding to seven recipients for the development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. 300 miles of Route 66 weave through Illinois, and Route 66’s economic and historical impact is felt firsthand in communities across the state.

The city of Springfield was awarded $630,000 to create 12 murals connecting Williamsville, Sherman, Springfield, Chatham and Auburn to the murals in Heritage Corridor and Great Rivers & Routes service area, as well as upgrades to Shea's Gas Station and 12 site-specific wayside exhibits.

Additionally, the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association was awarded $30,791.40 and the Springfield Visitors & Convention Bureau was awarded $70,145 through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program to support local tourism promotional efforts with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions and events across the state.

“I look forward to continue attracting tourists and bringing out the vibrant history Springfield has to offer,” Turner said.

To view a full list of Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program recipients, click here. For more information on the Route 66 Grant Program, click here.

Senator Turner celebrates Black Farmers Week

• Agriculture

SPRINGFIELD – Joined in the Capitol by Black farmers, State Senator Doris Turner celebrated Black Farmers Week taking pride in advocating for diverse agriculture across the state.

“I am proud to stand with the Black farmers of Illinois,” says Turner (D-Springfield). “As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I want to be a voice for all members of our agriculture community.”

This week commemorates the first Black Farmers Week in the state. Black Farmers Week was established this year by House Representative Sonya Harper with the support of Senator Turner to encourage the people of Illinois and all representatives in government to learn about the history of Black farming communities and the contributions made by African Americans in the agriculture field.

Black farmers in America have had a long struggle to own land and operate independently in the agriculture industry due to economic and social barriers. Movements in Illinois and across the country have fought to rectify the historic discrimination against Black farmers and encourage diverse interest in farming to innovate the industry.

“Black farmers can play leading roles in creating regional networks of jobs, food and agriculture,” Turner said. “To diversify and expand the agriculture industry here in Illinois, we have to create opportunities for disadvantaged communities to do so.”

Turner advances measure to remove duplicate driving test for motorcyclists

• HB2582

SPRINGFIELD – To remove barriers for motorcyclists, State Senator Doris Turner spearheaded a measure through the Senate Transportation Committee that would remove the requirement to complete a 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 Transportation Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.