SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is reminding Illinois drivers they will now have an additional three months to renew their licenses.

“With the predicted surge in COVID-19 cases around the state, it’s important to take as many steps to slow the spread of the disease as much as we can,” Turner said. “Many services have been made available online, so I encourage you to take full advantage of the new extension and the secretary of state’s website.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced Friday that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards has been extended an additional three months to March 31, 2022. However, the new expiration date does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations.

To cut down on long lines and wait times, people can visit of the secretary of state’s online services at ilsos.gov. These services include:

• Renewing a vehicle registration;
• Applying for a vehicle title and registration;
• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;
• Obtaining a driving record abstract;
• Renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.

Turner is also reminding residents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities.

For more information and to take advantage of online services, including license plate renewal, people can visit ilsos.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) announced a $1.4 million state investment to help maintain and upgrade the Taylorville Municipal Airport on Wednesday.

“The Taylorville Municipal Airport provides good-paying jobs and economic stability to our community,” said Turner. “The new funding will allow for improvements to runway rehabilitation, which is critical in ensuring the safety of our commuters.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Taylorville Municipal Airport is set to receive $1.4 million for construction to the airport’s runway.

“The Illinois aviation system is one of the largest in the nation,” said Turner. “These funds will help maintain and develop the area to help workers thrive after such a tough year.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed on the Department of Transportation’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) that will extend the Enos Park tax increment financing district was signed into law by the governor on Tuesday.

“This is a major win for Springfield, the Enos Park Neighborhood and the Mid Illinois Medical District,” Turner said. “The Enos Park TIF district has been instrumental in revitalizing our neighborhoods and a great tool in the expansion of the central Illinois region.”

Senate Bill 1139 will extend the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in Enos Park for another 12 years. The legislation will provide extra support to keep independent small businesses and neighborhoods alive by permitting local municipalities to use TIF funds to establish loans and grants.

The newly built YMCA on Carpenter Street is an example of the success the TIF district has brought to the community.

Senate Bill 1139 was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to support service members overseas, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is collecting new and gently used cell phones to be sent to soldiers.  

“I can think of no better way to support those who serve to protect our freedoms than giving them a reliable way to call home,” Turner said. “This is a great program that allows our troops to stay connected to their families during the holiday seasons and beyond.”

The national Cell Phones for Soldiers program collects new and gently used cell phones and tablets for soldiers and their families. People with old cellphones, MP3 players or tablets laying around are encouraged to donate them to be refurbished or recycled. Proceeds from those sales are used to send prepaid international calling cards to troops and to provide emergency funding to veterans. All cell phone donations are tax deductible.

To donate, people can stop by Turner’s Decatur office located at 1210 S. Jasper St. or her Carlinville office located at 130 East Main St. Suite B. Each office will accept donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Nov. 30.

Turner urges residents with questions or concerns to contact her office at 217-854-4502 or visit www.CellPhonesForSoldiers.com.