SPRINGFIELD – With the ever-growing support for pickleball, State Senator Doris Turner has introduced legislation that would increase the number of pickleball courts in Springfield.

“We have seen a tremendous growth in the interest of pickleball over the past few years. To meet the needs of the sport, I’ve worked closely with the Springfield Pickleball Club to find the best way to accommodate players,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Adding additional courts to Centennial and Iles parks would bring an economic boost to Springfield. This would be instrumental for Springfield, pickleball players, businesses and our community.”

Pickleball has become the country’s fastest-growing sport. The Springfield Pickleball Club has 435 members and has averaged about 24% more new members each of the last three years. Currently, there are 15 pickleball courts in Springfield. Turner’s measure would increase the number of courts in Springfield to meet the growing demand.

Senate Bill 2599 would provide funding to add 14 new pickleball courts at Centennial Park in an undeveloped space and would include a new concrete slab with a six-foot walkway separating the courts. The measure would also fund the replacement of a 60-year-old concrete slab at Iles Park, which currently has eight courts, and add four courts to allow for more participation in an annual summer tournament.

“The Springfield area has experienced, perhaps, the largest percentage increase in the number of pickleball players. It now has an estimated 1,200 players,” said Jack Handy, president of the Springfield Pickleball Club. “With only 15 pickleball courts available for play, it has been increasingly difficult to avoid long waits for a court. The addition of 18 courts, as outlined in this bill, will meet the current demand for play space.”

Senate Bill 2599 awaits committee assignment in the Illinois State Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – To build a pipeline of tech talent, a paid trainee program will be coming to Lincoln Land Community College that will help meet the growing demand for skilled professionals and diversify the state’s workforce, announced State Senator Doris Turner. 

“Investing in our workforce pipeline opens the door for new opportunities, grows our pool of skilled professionals and increases industry-focused jobs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Lincoln Land’s location will bring people from across Central Illinois to train and grow in the tech profession. This is a win for LLCC, Springfield and the state as we continue to expand career opportunities for our workers.”

Through the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, trainees will receive a minimum yearly salary of $54,000 while pursuing tracks in one of five high-need concentration areas: cybersecurity, networking, coding and database, end user computing and enterprise infrastructure. Additionally, trainees will receive formal mentoring from current DoIT employees and be offered a full-time job with the department after completing the program and meeting its benchmarks.

SPRINGFIELD – In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging women to get their yearly mammogram.

“Early detection is the most effective way to prevent breast cancer,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Getting regular mammograms can help catch breast cancer at its earliest stages.”

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, more Black women die of breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group. Breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death in women aged 20 to 59, according to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.

Women over the age of 45 are encouraged to receive regular mammograms. They are also encouraged to consult with their health care provider about risk factors and whether additional breast cancer screening is required. Risk factors for breast cancer can be managed by remaining physically active, by maintaining a healthy weight, and by limiting intake of alcohol.

“If a woman believes there may be a problem, getting a routine mammogram or scheduling one improves the odds for treatment if it is necessary,” Turner said. “A simple screening can save lives.”

IDPH reminds the public that the department’s Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers free breast exams and mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. The program also supports diagnostic services and assists with referrals for treatment options.

To enroll in the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, people can call the Women’s Health Line at 888-522-1282. The Health Line will walk people through the eligibility requirements and screening process.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced that Decatur, Springfield and Macon County are set to receive a combined total of more than $1 million to support community revitalization efforts.

“Revitalizing abandoned homes provides homeownership opportunities, bringing more housing options to the area,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Investing in housing across Central Illinois will boost our local economies, create jobs and uplift the communities.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority recently approved $19 million to support affordable housing and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. Awarded under the Strong Communities Program, the initiative will provide funding to 68 units of local governments and land bank authorities for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of abandoned residential properties in their communities. The program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

The second round of Strong Communities Program awardees include Springfield, Decatur and Macon County, with each entity receiving $337,000.

The grants are funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital plan and will leverage IHDA’s existing funding to increase property values, create jobs, help reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue and attract further community investment in underserved communities around the state. A total of $30 million in grant funding has been awarded through two application rounds.

“The Central Illinois Land Bank Authority is thrilled that IHDA invested in our "Abandonment to Rehab" program,” said Central Illinois Land Bank Authority Executive Director Mike Davis. “Decatur has hundreds of abandoned homes and 42% of renters have high rent burden.  The City has already invested $500k and it’s fantastic the state sees the potential for scaling up this program.”

To learn more about the Stronger Communities Program, click https://www.ihda.org/my-community/revitalization-programs/">here.