SPRINGFIELD – As the month of April draws near, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) supported a resolution through the Senate to honor the month of April as Illinois State Police Centennial Month.

“100 years ago, our state welcomed the first class of state police officers sworn to protect and serve the people of Illinois,” Turner said. “After a century of excellence, we thank each officer who put their life on the line to ensure the safety and prosperity of Illinois.”

The Illinois State Police started in 1922 with nine patrol officers and now has a force of 1,836 sworn officers and 602 civilian employees working across the state. The original mission was to enforce the weight laws of the state by protecting the “hard roads” from damage caused by overweight trucks. The force and the mission increased over time. Today, ISP officers conduct traffic stops on our highways, analyze DNA to solve the toughest crimes, and much more.

“Our state is undoubtedly a safer place because of the brave men and women who put on a uniform to protect our state,” Turner said. “I am proud to help recognize an exemplary organization that protects our communities in every corner of the state.”

SR 934 passed the Senate today.

SPRINGFIELD – To offer stability to retailers, bring support to state prosecutors and promote statewide economic growth, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) joined officials with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and Attorney General’s office to discuss a legislative proposal to curb Organized Retail Crime in Illinois at a press conference Tuesday.

“As organized retail theft becomes more prevalent across the country, Illinois is responsible for updating its laws to fight back against the uptick and prioritize public safety for its residents, workers and business community,” Turner said. “By creating the Organized Retail Crime Act, our state has an opportunity to enact one of the most comprehensive crime-curbing efforts in the nation.”

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SPRINGFIELD – As the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States nears, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is leading a measure to establish a commission to carry out celebrations in Illinois leading up to and commemorating the day.

“America at 250 will be an incredibly special time for the nation as we reflect on our history and accomplishments while also charting a course for the future,” Turner said. “I am honored to play a part in creating a commission that will prepare out state to celebrate the anniversary in a unique way.”

This measure follows a federal initiative to create a national USA 250 commission. Members of the state commission will include representatives from the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as well as members picked by a bipartisan group of government leaders. The Director of the Illinois State Museum will serve as the Illinois America 250 Commission Chair

The commission will work to highlight some important milestones and themes in our state’s history in relation to our nation’s history. Events like the founding of the State, the Lincoln Douglas debates, President Lincoln preserving the Union, and Manifest Destiny.

Our great country has a deep and vast history to share,” Turner said. “I am proud to be a part of this historic event.”

House Bill 5015 passed the Senate State Government Committee and awaits further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum and the City of Springfield are set to receive $662,545 and $355,400 respectively to make improvements and create new exhibits, thanks to support from State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield).

“Our city museums provide excellent educational opportunities and give people near and far the chance to learn about our history,” Turner said. “This initiative is making a significant investment to our local museums that will attract more visitors and educate our community for years to come.”

The Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, overseen by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is open to any museum operated by a local government or built on municipally-owned land. The maximum grant award for projects is $750,000, and matching funds are often required based on museum attendance.

The program will distribute a total of $19.7 million in grants to 36 Illinois museums for facility improvement and development of new exhibits.

Investments for the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program are funded by Rebuild Illinois. More information about the program is available here.