DECATUR – With the strong support of State Senator Doris Turner, the city of Decatur will receive nearly $6 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“Infrastructure investments are vital to expanding downstate transportation needs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have seen remarkable improvements through the Rebuild Illinois capital program. Expanding Decatur’s transit campus, buying additional buses and installing solar panels on the bus barn will increase accessibility for residents to get around town.”

The third round of Rebuild Illinois grants provides $113.8 million for Downstate transit providers as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program. Awards are supporting projects that include the purchase of new vehicles as well as the construction of stations and maintenance facilities that improve service.

The city of Decatur will receive $5.89 million to expand and rehabilitate the transit campus, replace old busses and install solar panels on the bus barn.

“We can’t thank Governor Pritzker and IDOT enough for the state’s investment in public transportation in Decatur,” said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. “We are very excited to continue transforming our transit campus to support new alternative-fuel technologies and the next generation of public transportation.”

To find a full list of projects, visit IDOT’s website.

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.