News

SPRINGFIELD – Building on her strong commitment to public safety, State Senator Doris Turner secured nearly $10,000 for the Midland Fire Protection District to help with purchasing new equipment or paying for fire training.

“No matter where you live, you deserve to feel safe in your community,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we invest in public safety, we are investing in residents – putting their well-being first.”

The Volunteer Fire Capacity grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, matches funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training. Funding is passed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to local fire departments and fire training academies.

The 73 grantees provide fire protection to about 250,000 Illinois residents, primarily in rural areas of Illinois. Midland Fire Protection District, located in the district Turner represents, received nearly $10,000.

Additional information about grant requirements and opportunities can be found on IDNR’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – Building on her strong support to bring economic development to Central Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner advanced a package through the Senate to revitalize downtown Springfield.

“I’ve been working with local leaders for four years to find a solution to spur economic development in downtown Springfield,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This plan would do just that. Expanding the Bank of Springfield Center and bringing a headquartered hotel to downtown would create jobs, support small businesses in the area, boost the local economy and breathe new life into downtown.”

House Bill 4496 is a package of economic development initiatives and proposals for the city of Springfield that would promote business, industry, commerce and tourism in Springfield, Sangamon County and Illinois. The Capital City Downtown Medical District would have the authority to construct housing, educational buildings and research facilities. The Capital Area Tourism Authority would exercise certain economic development powers to finance and fund the development and construction of a new convention center hotel and the expansion of the existing Bank of Springfield Convention Center.

To meet the revitalization goals, House Bill 4496 would:

• Establish the Capital Area Tourism Authority, allowing it to exercise certain economic development powers.
• Rename the Mid-Illinois Medical District to the Capital City Downtown Medical District and expand the current boundaries of the medical district from Madison Street to South Grand Avenue, excluding the area designated as part of the master planning area for the Capitol complex.
• Establish a new capital city construction jobs income tax credit and a historical building rehab tax credit.

“The passage of House Bill 4496 will strengthen Springfield’s Downtown and Medical District by creating a substantive mechanism for implementing the Downtown and Medical District Master Plan,” said Mid-Illinois Medical District Commissioner and Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln President and CEO John Stremsterfer. “This is good public policy that will benefit the Capital City for generations to come.”

House Bill 4496 passed the Senate Sunday and heads to the House for concurrence.

SPRINGFIELD – After meeting with a local student who can no longer take her service animal to school due to claims of harassment from other students, State Senator Doris Turner led a resolution to encourage the review of school policies, ensuring they align with laws regarding service animal access.

“Service animals offer critical assistance for individuals – helping to enhance independence and safety – and when students are in need of this specific accommodation at school, a lack of well-defined policies can lead to disability discrimination,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “No student should feel ostracized at school, and especially not because of a medical necessity like needing a service animal.”

Senate Resolution 542 recognizes the importance of service animals in the school setting and encourage a review of policies to ensure that all Illinois schools comply with disability rights laws governing service animal access. Under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals are to assist students in equally accessing public schools and are required to be permitted to accompany a student at all school activities, whether in or outside the classroom.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to revitalize downtown Springfield, State Senator Doris Turner is spearheading a package that would spur economic development in the capital city.

“This isn’t just about saving downtown,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This is about investing in the future of our capital city while ensuring we are boosting economic development, bringing in good-paying jobs and creating an environment for residents and visitors to enjoy for decades to come.”

Senate Bill 2829 is a package of economic development initiatives and proposals for the city of Springfield that would promote business, industry, commerce and tourism in Springfield, Sangamon County and Illinois. The Capital City Downtown Medical District would have the authority to construct housing, educational buildings and research facilities. The Capital Area Tourism Authority would exercise certain economic development powers to finance and fund the development and construction of a new convention center hotel and the expansion of the existing Bank of Springfield convention center.

To meet the revitalization goals, Senate Bill 2829 would:

• Establish the Capital Area Tourism Authority, allowing it to exercise certain economic development powers.
• Rename the Mid-Illinois Medical District to the Capital City Downtown Medical District and expand the current boundaries of the medical district from Madison Street to South Grand Avenue, excluding the area designated as part of the master planning area for the Capitol complex.
• Establishes a new capital city construction jobs income tax credit and a historical building rehab tax credit.

“Four units of government are working together to revitalize downtown, proving that when we share a vision, we can accomplish so much,” said Turner. “Springfield is the home of state government. It’s where Lincoln grew up. It’s a city full of history. It’s time we put politics aside and give downtown Springfield the attention it deserves.”

Senate Bill 2829 passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.