News

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced new funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative through the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs – representing a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state.

“The Illinois Grocery Initiative has been essential to combating the development of food deserts across the state,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This next round of funding will build upon the state’s continued efforts to eliminate food deserts and support local grocers, while simultaneously boosting our state’s economy.”

The new Grocery Rescue Program will support efforts to reopen stores that have closed within the preceding 12 months. This program is designed to prevent long-term food access loss in low-access tracts, preventing the formation of new food deserts. Funding can be used for store acquisition, repair, refurbishing property and equipment and some first-year operating costs.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to expand workforce training, State Senator Doris Turner helped secure nearly $820,000 to connect workers with the skills and resources they need to enter in-demand careers while helping employers build the qualified workforce they need to grow.

“When we invest in workforce training, we’re opening the door so that more students and people in our communities can receive the hands-on training that can turn into a secure and stable career,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have worked to expand opportunities and bring more jobs to Central Illinois, and key investments like this directly help grow the workforce pipeline.”

More than $11 million in funding was awarded to 23 organizations across Illinois through the Job Training and Economic Development Program, aimed to expand workforce training, career pathways and support services for Illinoisans facing barriers to employment. JTED addresses the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more barriers to employment.

In the district Turner represents, One On One was awarded nearly $600,000 and the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association received nearly $220,000.

A full list of awardees can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is proud to announce six libraries in the 48th District will be receiving nearly $750,000 for literacy program enhancements, workplace skills development and more.

“Libraries are the cornerstone of every community, and this funding will ensure they continue to serve everyone,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “People of all ages can benefit from the educational resources, programming, and the number of other services offered by our libraries, making this funding so crucial.”

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. The grants will enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs.

Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

SPRINGFIELD – To increase awareness of work incentives for students with a disability, schools are now required to share informational materials with parents and guardians under a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“We have to ensure students, no matter their disability, are set up for success,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Programs, jobs and opportunities are out there – we need to take the extra step to make sure families and students know and understand them so the student can thrive as they transition out of high school.”

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program is a federally funded initiative created to help individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income make informed choices about employment. House Bill 4581 requires informational materials on the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program to be provided to a student and the student's parent or guardian at both the initial transition planning meeting convened for a student with a disability by the school district and during the student's final year in high school.