SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner recently announced that, thanks to funds distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education, schools across the 48^th District will receive a total of $843,610 for infrastructure improvements.

“Our children deserve top quality accommodations in order to have a fruitful learning experience,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’m proud that these much-needed investments will go to benefit school districts, and most importantly, our youth.”

A total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was distributed to districts across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

The following school districts have been awarded grant money for 2022:

• Morrisonville CUSD 1
• Taylorville CUSD 3
• Edinburg CUSD 4
• Pana CUSD 8
• South Fork SD 14
• Panhandle CUSD 2
• Hillsboro CUSD 3
• Litchfield CUSD 12
• Nokomis CUSD 22
• Sangamon Valley CUSD 9
• Decatur SD 61
• Carlinville CUSD 1
• Staunton CUSD 6
• Southwestern CUSD 9
• North Mac CUSD 34
• Rochester CUSD 3A

Projects made possible thanks to these grants include updates to heating and cooling, improvements to ventilation, increased accessibility throughout buildings and more.

“Time and time again, studies have shown that high quality facilities lead to a better quality of education,” said Turner. “These grants will help provide the next generation of students an opportunity to seize their destiny and enrich their lives through education.”

A full list of grantees and awards can be viewed on the ISBE website.

DECATUR – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s license and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event in Decatur, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner in partnership with the Secretary of State’s Office.

The free event will be available to drivers Tuesday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Turner’s Decatur office located at 1210 S. Jasper St.

“The Secretary of State’s mobile unit is a one-stop shop to help people utilize these important state services,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I encourage folks to take advantage of this convenient way to renew driver’s licenses or vehicle registration next month.”

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers.

Turner reminds residents that REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit. The deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended to May 3, 2023.

In addition, Turner invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or NAF 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, residents can call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

With questions or for additional information, residents are encouraged to contact Turner’s Springfield office at 217-854-4502.

SPRINGFIELD – New construction projects will soon pop up around the historic Illinois State Fairgrounds to address years of deferred maintenance thanks to advocacy of State Senator Doris Turner.

“The investment into the State Fairgrounds will provide an extensive facelift, further improving the fair experience for everyone,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “People from all over Illinois come to Springfield to enjoy the fair, and these investments will draw more tourists and provide them with a better State Fair experience for years to come.”

The fairgrounds will see a number of vital improvement and repair projects over the next year – and of Renovations to the Multi-Purpose Arena has already begun. The $8.6 million project will repair sidewalks, walls, steps, and expansion joints, while also repairing electrical systems, readjusting the tension structure, installing a new canopy, and rebuilding the retaining walls around the facility.

Another project of note is the beginning of phase 2 of Coliseum repairs. Phase 2 will focus on an electrical overhaul, underground plumbing, new seating, new restrooms, an elevator and adding an HVAC system that will allow for heating and cooling of the facility. The anticipated costs for the Phase 2 of the Coliseum renovations is approximately $16.3 million.

“These projects will reinvigorate the magic of the State Fair,” said Turner. “I’m excited to welcome Illinoisans from all corners of the state to our ever-changing fairgrounds.” 

Other projects around the fairgrounds include roof replacements, HVAC replacements and various road resurfacing plans.

SPRINGFIELD – A new pilot program to provide crime survivors with more comprehensive resources and support is coming to Springfield thanks to a law backed by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Victims of violent crime often trauma and repercussions long after the crime occurred,” Turner said. “This law aims to support those victims and help them find closure and better manage their lives.”

Turner serves as a chief co-sponsor on House Bill 4736, which will create a Co-Responder Pilot Program within the Springfield Police Department. The program’s primary focus would be to provide crisis intervention, case management, advocacy and ongoing emotional support to victims of all crimes, particularly to those that cause a high level of trauma. The program – which will launch within the next six months – will allow social workers and mental health professionals to work alongside law enforcement officers on calls involving those who may need mental or behavioral health services. 

“By supporting victims and witnesses of violent crimes, we are focusing on public safety as a whole,” Turner said. “Early access to this program will make Springfield residents feel safer and more supported.”

The Co-Responder Pilot Program will also be implemented in the Peoria, East St. Louis and Waukegan.

House Bill 4736 was signed into law and took immediate effect.