SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) offered the following statement:

“Today’s budget proposal from Governor Pritzker shows that he understands that crucial human services need to be maintained in order for a complete economic recovery once we return to normalcy. Those who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 will reap the benefits of a bolstered Illinois Department of Employment Security, mental health services, and senior assistance programs. These investments will go a long way to ensuring the correction of systemic failures which hurt so many during the COVID-19 crisis.

“There are some encouraging aspects of the governor’s proposal, and I look forward to further discussions with him and his team to improve upon it. People from all corners of the 48^th district are hurting, and I intend to play a key role in delivering the relief they sorely deserve.”

SPRINGFIELD — Lifelong Springfield resident Doris Turner was sworn in to serve as the first Black woman to represent Sangamon County in the 48th Legislative District Saturday.

“Being appointed to serve in the Senate at this critical time in our state and nation’s history is humbling,” Turner said. “The decisions made over the course of the next four months will determine how quickly our local economies and neighborhoods can bounce back from the devastation brought on by the pandemic. I’m prepared to meet this moment and get to work for the people from every part of the 48^th Legislative District, from Bunker Hill all the way to Decatur.”

In addition to working 33 years for the State of Illinois; twenty-two of those with the Department of Public Health, Turner was elected to the Springfield City Council representing Ward 3 in April 2011 after having served for ten years on the Sangamon County Board.