SPRINGFIELD – To express love and lift the spirits of local seniors, State Senator Doris Turner is collecting store bought or handmade cards to deliver to long-term care facility residents for Valentine’s Day.

“Seniors are a big part of our community and writing them a note can remind them they’re appreciated,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Taking time out of our days to do a little act of kindness can go a long way to make someone to feel loved this Valentine’s Day.”

Turner is collecting store bought and handmade cards for local seniors. People are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to her district offices, located at 401 S. Spring St. Section F, Room B Springfield, IL 62706 or 1210 S. Jasper St. Decatur, IL 62321. She is collecting cards until Feb. 10 and then will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

People with questions can reach out to Turner’s Springfield office at 217-782-0228 or Decatur office at 217-706-5311.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner was sworn in to office Wednesday for another term in the Illinois Senate.

“Living in Springfield my whole life, it is an honor to continue being your voice in the Capitol and serve as the voice for the people of the 48^th District,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “My top priority is to better the lives of people in Central Illinois and find solutions to the challenges we face.”

Turner has represented the 48^th District since her appointment in 2020 to fill the vacancy left by Andy Manar, who went on to become deputy governor. The district includes parts of Macon, Sangamon and Christian Counties.

Turner has led many legislative issues, such as addressing the teacher shortage, honoring Illinois’ fallen soldiers, and has been a strong advocate for the agriculture industry and education.

Turner strives to keep residents up to date with helpful information and resources, and encourages people to reach out to her office at SenatorDorisTurner.com/ContactUs or one of her district offices:

• Springfield: 217-854-4502
• Decatur: 217-706-5311

This week marks the start of the 103^rd General Assembly.

SPRINGFIELD – Liquor delivery services would be expanded under a measure supported by State Senator Doris Turner that passed the Senate Monday.

“Our bars and restaurants are the backbone of our communities and bring a uniqueness to our neighborhoods,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We are continuously working to strengthen our local economies, and expanding liquor delivery services is a great way to do that.”

Senate Bill 1001 would eliminate state and local fees for liquor delivery throughout Illinois. Additionally, it brings parity for liquor delivery between home-rule and non-home rule municipalities to regulate liquor delivery.

The Turner-backed measure would also lower the licensing fees for wineries to $750 if renewed online and $900 for initial or non-online certification. Under a law passed in 2021, the fees were raised to $1,200 if renewed online and $1,500 for initial licenses and non-online.

“This expansion will benefit our bars, restaurants and wineries that bring tourists to our area and spur economic development across Central Illinois,” Turner said. “We are giving people the opportunity to support local from the comfort and safety of their own homes and stimulate our local economies – that’s a win-win for all.”

Senate Bill 1001 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

SPRINGFIELD – To alleviate obstacles to affordable and accessible healthcare in Central Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner is calling on the governor’s office to use its statutory authority to defend people’s right to healthcare.

About a year ago, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois cut Springfield Clinic from its network, devastating more than 55,000 Blue Cross customers, many who are still struggling to find new doctors or file continuity of care requests with Blue Cross.

“Residents in the Springfield area have the right to affordable and accessible healthcare,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “A year later, I am still hearing from families, local businesses and individuals that matters are getting worse. It appears like the Blue Cross providers directory is out of date and that they are a significantly inadequate provider network to meet the health needs of Central Illinois residents.”

Turner sent a letter to the governor’s office asking for them to find a remedy to take quick action regarding BCBSIL’s provider directory and failure to meet network adequacy regulations or prohibit the company from selling inadequate plans for the 2023 plan year.