News

SPRINGFIELD – To combat rising energy prices, State Senator Doris Turner encourages eligible families in the 48th District to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“With energy prices on the rise, keeping the power on at home can be a battle for some people,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “If you are struggling to get by, there are programs ready to assist and get you through the winter.”

The LIHEAP program – which opened Oct. 1 – utilizes a priority application system to ensure that families most in need can apply first. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with the eligible income thresholds can be found here.

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.