SPRINGFIELD – To prioritize agricultural education experiences, State Senator Doris Turner spearheaded a measure through the Senate that allows students to count hours that they participate in a work-based learning experience as hours of school work, including Future Farmers of America or 4-H program competitions or exhibitions.

”Students learn through experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “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. These programs provide hands-on experience in the agriculture industry which is prominent here in Illinois.”

House Bill 3814 would allow students to count hours that they participate in a work-based learning experience as hours of school work. The measure would include participation in scheduled events of state and national Future Farmers of America associations as well as 4-H programs as part of organized competitions or exhibitions – something Turner 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.

“When events like fairs and competitions conflict with school schedules, students have been penalized for missing school” Turner said. “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. This is one step forward to continue encouraging students to learn about agriculture and what the industry has to offer.”

House Bill 3814 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

SPRINGFIELD – With strong support from State Senator Doris Turner, over $730,000 will be coming to Springfield to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to drive along the historic Route 66 and enjoy Illinois.

“Springfield has so much to offer, especially with the history here of Route 66,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Investing in our communities will draw visitors and show them that Springfield and the entire state are great places to visit!”

The Route 66 Grant Program awarded $3.7 million in funding to seven recipients for the development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. 300 miles of Route 66 weave through Illinois, and Route 66’s economic and historical impact is felt firsthand in communities across the state.

The city of Springfield was awarded $630,000 to create 12 murals connecting Williamsville, Sherman, Springfield, Chatham and Auburn to the murals in Heritage Corridor and Great Rivers & Routes service area, as well as upgrades to Shea's Gas Station and 12 site-specific wayside exhibits.

Additionally, the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association was awarded $30,791.40 and the Springfield Visitors & Convention Bureau was awarded $70,145 through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program to support local tourism promotional efforts with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions and events across the state.

“I look forward to continue attracting tourists and bringing out the vibrant history Springfield has to offer,” Turner said.

To view a full list of Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program recipients, click here. For more information on the Route 66 Grant Program, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – To remove barriers for motorcyclists, State Senator Doris Turner spearheaded a measure through the Senate Transportation Committee that would remove the requirement to complete a driver’s test with the Secretary of State.

“Young motorcyclists have to take repetitive, unnecessary tests to get their license,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Removing this requirement is an easy fix to speed up the process.”

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

“This initiative doesn’t lessen requirements for these drivers, but eases the process by removing a duplicate test,” Turner said. “This is one step we can take to get rid of a redundant process.”

House Bill 2582 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly $2 million is coming to Springfield and Decatur, thanks to funding secured by State Senator Doris Turner to support local festivals and attractions and drive tourism in the 48^th District.

“Central Illinois has a number of attractions that bring visitors here from across the country,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Continuing to make strong investments to drive the tourism industry helps boost our local economies. I’m excited to continue highlighting the great things Springfield and Decatur have to offer and show the world it’s a great place to be!”

Through the second round of the Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant Program, a total of $22.5 million was awarded to localities, organizations and businesses to fund 89 tourism-related improvements, events and activities across Illinois. The City of Springfield is set to receive nearly $500,000 to improve the North Mansion Block Plaza and the Springfield Park District received $370,000 to replace Washington Park’s Botanical Garden Conservatory Dome and make other upgrades.

Additionally, Turner helped secure $65,000 for the Hoogland Center for the Arts to support a new marquee with electronic message boards. The Route History, Inc. was awarded $500,000 to construct the Imagine Route 66 History building. The Decatur Park District is set to receive $500,000 to improve the Devon G. Amphitheater.

A full list of recipients can be found here.