SPRINGFIELD – To promote public involvement and embody civic pride for Illinois, a measure spearheaded by State Senator Doris Turner that would create a commission to develop a new official state flag passed the Senate Thursday.

“History is living, breathing and ever evolving,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We need to ensure government is evolving with the times so that people are engaged and a part of what is going on across the state.”

Senate Bill 1818 would create the Illinois Flag Commission to develop new state flag designs. The commission would make recommendations to the General Assembly deciding whether the current state flag should be replaced with a redesigned state flag by Sept. 1. If they decide the flag should be replaced, the commission would report recommendations to the General Assembly by Dec. 3, 2024.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources explains Illinois’ state flag history. There have been two official state flags – the first was adopted in 1915. The second was adopted in 1969, which did not change the original design of the flag but added “Illinois.”

In 2021, Utah passed a similar law creating the Utah State Flag Task Force which provided design toolkits to libraries, schools and other institutions. The task force received around 7,000 flag designs and over 44,000 public comments. According to Utah’s Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, students, educators, families and more were invited to participate in the process of choosing Utah’s new state flag.

“We need a flag that truly represents Illinois – a state with a strong workforce, an agriculture champion and so much more,” said Turner.

Senate Bill 1818 passed the Senate and heads to the House of Representatives.

SPRINGFIELD –  To prioritize agricultural education experiences, State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure that would ensure schools consider students as being "in attendance" for a Future Farmers of America or 4-H program competition or exhibition through the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

”I’m a strong supporter of ag education and I want students to be able to continue their education outside of the classroom,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Hands on learning is essential for students to get the experience they need to understand the agriculture industry.”

Senate Bill 2132 would require schools to consider students as being "in attendance" if the student's absence is to participate in a FFA or 4-H program competition or exhibition.

Illinois FFA is a youth organization that prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth organization across the state aimed at teaching practical skills to youth by offering lessons in communications, leadership, career development, livestock, home improvement and computer technology.

“These groups often participate in events like fairs and competitions that can conflict with school schedules,” Turner said. “As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a member of the Senate Education Committee, I have seen and heard the hurdles students have faced. It’s time we let them learn through experiences without being jeopardized.”

Senate Bill 2132 passed the Senate Education Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined state and local officials at Lincoln Land Community College to emphasize the importance of investing in Illinois’ community colleges at a press conference on Wednesday.

“Community colleges can be a much-needed step for students before attending a four-year university,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Lincoln Land Community College is known for setting students up to succeed. Increasing investments in Illinois’ community colleges is vital for students to engage in more workforce training and development programs, allowing them to get a good paying job in the future.”

Illinois has the third largest community college system in the nation. LLCC serves around 10,500 students annually, making it one of the largest community college districts in the state.

The governor’s proposed budget prioritizes higher education by increasing system funding for day-to-day operations, infrastructure and service programs at community colleges. A strong investment in Monetary Award Program Grants, which provide assistance to eligible students demonstrating financial need and do not need to be repaid, is part of the proposal for the upcoming fiscal year– an initiative Turner supports.

SPRINGFIELD – The City of Springfield is set to receive nearly $110,000 to support workers impacted by plant or mine retirements established under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act with strong support from State Senator Doris Turner.

“When CEJA passed, we knew the energy transition was going to affect Springfield’s jobs, economy and community,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This vital investment will help ensure that jobs and job trainings are available for the hardworking men and women in Central Illinois.”

The $40 million program was designed to meet the needs of individual localities by addressing the economic and social impacts of plant closures. The $108,636 coming to Springfield can be used on a variety of initiatives and investments, including workforce initiatives, housing support, business attraction efforts and more.

As part of the program, Springfield will develop detailed plans for the grant funding – which includes stakeholder engagement, a detailed project design and budget which outlines specific intended uses for the funds. The community stakeholder engagement process is a critical element designed to ensure grantees solicit community input and consult with a diverse set of stakeholders to best support those most impacted by energy transitions.

To learn more about the Energy Transition Community Grant Program, click here.