SPRINGFIELD – Following a weekly phone conference with Montgomery County and its Community Risk Committee, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement urging Montgomery County residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine as cases rise in the area:

“I’d strongly encourage those of you who haven’t already done so to go out and get vaccinated. Even though the state has entered Phase 5 of Illinois Restored, COVID-19 is still here. Many people are now being exposed to the more infectious variant, so we must work together to protect ourselves and our families.

“Getting vaccinated is the first step toward us getting back to our normal lives. It breaks my heart that so many lives were lost over this past year and we’re starting to see cases on the rise again in the Montgomery County area. This is still very real and very serious, so we must fight this disease together. I implore you to please go out and get vaccinated.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority announced two grants totaling more than $340,000 for organizations in Springfield and Decatur to offer pro-social activities that may reduce violence and victimization or provide increased street intervention to young people and emerging adults aged 10 to 25 this summer.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for young people in these areas,” Turner said. “I’ve been working to address the root causes of violence since the start of my political career. I’m so proud of the work done on this initiative. These grants will increase programming, job opportunities, and provide safe spaces for our kids.”

The grants are part of the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew Program, created to promote equity within the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, which was signed by Gov. Pritzker in 2019. The Act states 25% of all cannabis revenue must be used to support communities harmed by violence, excessive incarceration and economic disinvestment.

Twenty-one agencies were selected to receive to receive grant money, including The Outlet in Springfield and Youth with a Positive Direction in Decatur. Grant awards will support three months of programming, from July 1 to Sept. 30.

 SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) spent her Sunday like a Litchfield tourist, checking out several attractions in the area with Litchfield Mayor Steve Dougherty and City Administrator Tonya Flannery.

“I am really taking advantage of the state reopening, now that we can all come together to enjoy events again,” said Senator Turner. “One thing I like most about being in office is getting out and getting to know constituents. This has been a hard year for everyone, so I encourage residents to go out and enjoy local activities.”

During her first stop, Turner enjoyed a walk through the Litchfield Pickers Market. The market, held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every second Sunday of the month from May to October, gives visitors a look at vintage items, antiques and collectibles. All items sold at the market date back to 1980 or prior.

Senator Turner also trailed along the historic Illinois Route 66 before coming to a stop at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center. The museum has been open since 2013 and proudly welcomes visitors from around the world.

The museum features displays of Route 66 memorabilia, including Bob Waldmire maps and drawings, an original Route 66 road sign, a gas pump, an old automobile, a history section which includes portraits of old country schools as well as town schools, teachers, administration, graduates and much more.

“I had a great time learning about the fascinating history of Litchfield and Route 66 in Illinois,” said Senator Turner. “There’s so much to learn about Central Illinois, and really, Illinois as a whole.”

The Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center reopened to the general public in February after easing COVID-19 restrictions. To plan a free tour, visit http://www.litchfieldmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/ .

SPRINGFIELD – The last veteran to earn the Medal of Honor during World War II should be afforded a state funeral and the option to lie in state in the rotunda of the United States Capitol, State Senator Doris Turner said, and successfully passed a resolution through the Illinois Senate Tuesday to urge President Joseph Biden and Congress to make it so.

“I come from a long line of military veterans,” said Turner. “My father and many of my uncles served in World War II, and were among those we have recognized as the Greatest Generation. It’s such an honor to carry this resolution and I am pleased at its adoption. ”

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that is awarded by the U.S. government. The measure seeks to honor the last living Medal of Honor recipient with a homecoming celebration in the United States’ Capitol. The President of the United States has the sole authority to designate a state funeral.

Hershel Woodrow Williams of West Virginia is the last known surviving Medal of Honor recipient who served in World War II.

The measure was favorably adopted without opposition.