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.

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly $2 million is coming to Springfield and Decatur, thanks to funding secured by State Senator Doris Turner to support local festivals and attractions and drive tourism in the 48^th District.

“Central Illinois has a number of attractions that bring visitors here from across the country,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Continuing to make strong investments to drive the tourism industry helps boost our local economies. I’m excited to continue highlighting the great things Springfield and Decatur have to offer and show the world it’s a great place to be!”

Through the second round of the Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant Program, a total of $22.5 million was awarded to localities, organizations and businesses to fund 89 tourism-related improvements, events and activities across Illinois. The City of Springfield is set to receive nearly $500,000 to improve the North Mansion Block Plaza and the Springfield Park District received $370,000 to replace Washington Park’s Botanical Garden Conservatory Dome and make other upgrades.

Additionally, Turner helped secure $65,000 for the Hoogland Center for the Arts to support a new marquee with electronic message boards. The Route History, Inc. was awarded $500,000 to construct the Imagine Route 66 History building. The Decatur Park District is set to receive $500,000 to improve the Devon G. Amphitheater.

A full list of recipients can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – To give back to the community, State Senator Doris Turner is partnering with Meridian and HealthChoice Illinois to host an Easter ham giveaway on Saturday, April 8 in Springfield.

“As a state senator and resident of Springfield, it’s important to me to continue giving back to our community throughout the year, not only during the holidays,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’m excited to join health organizations to provide a meal and resources for residents to enjoy and take advantage of.”

Turner will be giving away 150 hams, as well as health and wellness resources provided by Meridian and HealthChoice.

The event will be held at the Greater All Nation Tabernacle Church located at 100 South 19^th Street in Springfield on April 8 from 1-3 p.m. or while supplies last.

Residents with questions can call Turner’s Springfield office at 217-782-0228.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Transportation and local officials in the announcement of a new $68.3 million underpass at Madison and Jefferson streets in Springfield. This is the latest landmark for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which will separate railroad tracks from regular vehicle traffic to reduce congestion and delays, improve safety, provide better access for bikes and pedestrians, cut down on emergency response times and enhance local quality of life.

“Congestion in downtown Springfield can be hectic, especially when the train crosses right through town during peak traffic hours,” said Turner (D-Springfield), who helped make the Springfield Rail Improvements Project possible. “Emergency vehicles have been delayed getting to and from the medical district, increasing the wait time when residents need medical assistance. This investment not only uplifts the city, but also takes into account the safety, livability and development of Springfield for years to come.”

Following the announcement of the construction, Madison and Jefferson streets will be closed between Ninth and 11^th streets for around 14 months to complete the project. Detours have been posted on the roads. The construction will lower Madison and Jefferson streets and build new railroad bridges to create a set of double tracks for the existing Norfolk Southern Railroad and the proposed Union Pacific Railroad and Amtrak lines.

Madison and Jefferson streets carry a combined 20,000 vehicles a day, serving as a critical link for police, firefighters and two nearby hospitals. Funding for the improvements comes from $13.5 million via the Federal Railroad Administration, $30.9 million from the Illinois Commerce Commission and $23.9 million from IDOT, including $7.4 million through Rebuild Illinois.

The Springfield Rail Improvements Project improves transportation, creates jobs and promotes economic growth in Sangamon County and the city of Springfield. The goal of the project is to streamline railroad operations and reduce the impact of train traffic on the surrounding community by relocating all passenger and freight traffic from the Third Street corridor to 10th Street, as well as creating an underpass and one overpass at key crossings on the 10^th and 19^th street corridors.

Learn more about the Springfield Rail Improvements Project.