SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) championed a recently signed law to ensure unbanked communities can establish a more equitable opportunity for residents.

“There are millions of people around the country, who due to the barriers of account balances and minimum deposit requirements, do not have a reliable bank,” Turner said. “This law will allow for communities to take a stand and create the conditions that allow for a more equitable banking experience.”

Under Turner’s law, an Illinois Banking Development District program will be created to encourage the establishment of banking branches into communities where there is the greatest need for banking services.

New York State’s Banking Department started the Banking Development District program in 1997. Under the program, the state agency incentivizes banks to establish new branches in communities with little to no branches.

“Creating a reliable banking program in communities across the state will economically liberate people and allow them to participate in the financial process,” Turner said.

House Bill 5194 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect on January 1st, 2023.

SPRINGFIELD – As summer weather quickly approaches central Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging residents to take up a new outdoor hobby like wingshooting.

“Summer is almost here, and I hope everyone gets a chance to spend quality time outdoors with the people that matter most,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Wingshooting is a great opportunity for quality bonding time while also getting some much-needed Vitamin D.”

Introductory wingshooting clinics teach participants to safely shoot a shotgun at a moving target. The clinic starts with a shotgun safety presentation followed by a small-group, hands-on shotgun orientation session with each group’s wingshooting instructor.

Wingshooting clinics are taught by instructors certified by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or the National Sporting Clays Association. Not only do participants learn to safely handle and shoot a shotgun, but they also enjoy learning these things in a low-stress, fun environment.

The co-sponsors for this event are Capital Area Coveys Quail Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, New Salem Firearms and Ducks Unlimited Tri-County Chapter.

The registration fee is $10 for the clinics, which will take place on June 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is provided. Register online here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) supports a newly signed law to increase police officer retention and recruitment across Illinois.

“This law gives police departments extra tools to recruit and retain quality officers to better protect and serve their communities,” said Turner. “We must work to ensure our communities have quality officers that have a clear path of advancement.”

Police departments across the nation have experienced a drop in officer retention, caused by a large hiring wave in the 1990s. Officers hired then are now at retirement age or just years away. House Bill 3863 creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to award grants to assist law enforcement agencies in hiring and retaining law enforcement officers.

"It’s time to make the necessary investments in our personnel and find ways to recruit the next generation of first responders,” Turner said. “This law shows our commitment to officers and our belief that quality officers make communities safer.”

HB 3863 was signed into law today and takes effect immediately.