SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers may soon be required to make regular payments toward the state’s rainy day and pension funds, thanks to State Senator Doris Turner.

Turner (D-Springfield) introduced Senate Bill 4230, which would send $200 million into the fund at the end of each fiscal year or the amount that is necessary to ensure the rainy day fund is 5% of the state budget.

“The state’s budget is a representation of our residents’ values and priorities,” said Turner. “It is important that we put the mechanisms in place to ensure Illinois has a secure financial future. This measure will build these assurances into our budgets going forward to display our commitment to fiscal stability and security.”

In August, the state's Budget Stabilization Fund, commonly known as the rainy day fund, saw its balance exceed $1 billion for the first time.

However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s Rainy Day Fund stood at just $60,000 and the backlog of bills was nearly $6 billion. Turner believes this measure will help prevent this from happening again.

Between 2021 and May 2022, Illinois has seen six credit upgrades. S&G Global Rates reported that there have been improvements in the state’s financial flexibility, timely budget adoption and elimination of the bill backlog, as well as recent surplus revenues. 

TAYLORVILLE— Area residents, local organizations and state agencies joined State Senator Doris Turner and the Senior Citizens of Christian County for a senior fair event at the center on Tuesday.

The event provided area seniors the opportunity to connect with local organizations, government agencies, and health care facilities and providers to stay-up-to date with available resources and services. Seniors were also offered the chance to receive flu shots and partake in bone density tests.

“Our community senior fairs help bring together area residents with state agencies, health care providers and local organizations to learn more about vital resources and take advantage of screenings and flu shots,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We are thankful for the opportunity to work with the Senior Citizens of Christian County to host this informative event and provide area seniors with helpful services.”

Turner is hosting senior fairs throughout the district and has one more coming up in Springfield from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the Salvation Army of Springfield (1600 E. Clear Lake, Springfield, IL). Last week, she hosted another senior fair in Decatur.

“I always look forward to seeing new faces and chatting with friends and neighbors,” Turner said. “These events serve as a convenient one-stop shop for our seniors to connect with vital services and information. We hope to see you there.”

Those who would like to learn more about the upcoming senior fair can contact Turner’s Springfield office at 217-782-0228.

DECATUR – The City of Decatur is set to receive a $200,000 grant to support their vision for economic growth and infrastructure plans, thanks to support from State Senator Doris Turner.

The City of Decatur was awarded a grant to develop a readiness plan to implement the greater use of electric vehicles. This comes weeks after Turner joined area elected officials to announce Illinois awarded T/CCI Manufacturing in Decatur the state’s first Reimagining Electric Vehicles tax credit.

“This grant will further support the City of Decatur’s efforts to establish itself as an economic hub for generations to come,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “The city has embraced this innovative industry and paved a new road that will lead to economic growth, good-paying jobs and encourages sustainability and green technology in our own backyard.”

SPRINGFIELD— The City of Springfield will see $800,000 in grants to back their transportation planning efforts, thanks to support from State Senator Doris Turner.

The grants are administered by Illinois Department of Transportation and are designed to advance the objectives of the Illinois Long Range Transportation Plan.

“This grant will support the City of Springfield’s mission to set up a strategic direction to develop and improve our infrastructure,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We must continue to work together to grow our local economy and find innovative methods to plan for the future of our region.”

The grants awarded to the City of Springfield will help improve the economic viability of the local airport along with efforts to improve the commercial and industrial development potential of the airport and surrounding area. The University of Illinois Springfield will also receive funding to improve safety and equity measures in the region.