SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced five school districts across the 48^th District have received nearly $18,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“Investing in our libraries is essential for students to have the fundamental resources that provide educational value,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to continue prioritizing our students to set them up to be lifelong learners.”

Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

SPRINGFIELD – Motorcyclists no longer have to complete a duplicate driver’s test and will be more visible under two new laws sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“We are easing the process for motorcyclists to get their license without taking repetitive, unnecessary tests,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Removing this redundancy will simplify the process for motorcyclists, allowing them to enjoy Illinois’ roads.”

House Bill 2582 removes the requirement for a motorcyclist under the age of 18 to complete a motorcycle driver's examination with the Secretary of State. Previously, 16- to 17-year-old motorcyclists were required to complete a Cycle Driver Testing Course provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation and an additional examination by the Secretary of State.

Turner also led Senate Bill 896 which allows a motorcycle to be equipped with two forward-facing electric turn signals that emit a white or amber light. Two driving lights can be added that display a steady white or amber light in addition to the already required headlamps. Lastly, the law allows a motorcycle to be equipped with red-light auxiliary lighting to use while braking.

SPRINGFIELD – FFA and 4-H students will receive school work hours when participating in a work-based learning experience outside of the classroom starting Jan. 1 thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Doris Turner.

“I’ve been a strong advocate for ag education and want to ensure students aren’t being jeopardized for attending FFA and 4-H program events,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These programs provide essential hands-on experience in the agriculture industry, which is prominent here in Illinois.”

House Bill 3814 allows students to count hours that they participate in a work-based learning experience as hours of school work. Turner’s law includes participation in scheduled events of state and national FFA associations as well as 4-H programs as part of organized competitions or exhibitions — something she advocates strongly for.

Illinois FFA is a youth organization that prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth organization across the state aimed at teaching practical skills to youth by offering lessons in communications, leadership, career development, livestock, home improvement and computer technology.

“As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a member of the Senate Education Committee, I know the valuable experiences students get from participating in hands-on learning,” said Turner. “This is a step forward in encouraging students to learn about agriculture and what the industry has to offer.”

House Bill 3814 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

DECATUR – State Senator Doris Turner announced the Decatur Park District is receiving a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to resurface former golf cart paths at Scovill Park West. 

“It’s great to see Scovill Golf Course getting the opportunity to be fully utilized after its closure in 2017,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This project will add to the list of amazing recreational opportunities the Decatur Park District provides for residents.”

The recreational trail grant will be used to resurface 1.6 miles of former golf cart paths at Scovill Park West on the west side of Decatur. Scovill Park West covers over 150 acres of land and over 3 miles of walking and biking trails.

“The extensive Steven’s Creek bike trail network is utilized by thousands of residents each week and rehabilitating the trails out at Scovill Park West will provide even more recreational opportunities for our community,” said Decatur Park District Executive Director Clay Gerhard.  “This resurfacing project prepares us to connect the trails at Scovill Park West to the existing twelve-mile-long Steven’s Creek Bike Trail network in the coming years.”

More than $3.7 million has been awarded for recreational trail development projects in 19 Illinois communities to help them meet the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreation facilities. The 19 projects were recommended for funding by the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, which is overseen by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is made up of representatives of statewide motorized and non-motorized user organizations, state agencies, organizations involved in greenways and trails, and metro-area greenways and trails coalitions.