SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to address food deserts, State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure that would provide grants for farmer-owned grocery stores or markets.

“Rural communities across Illinois are often in food deserts,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious foods no matter where they live.”

Senate Bill 3219 would expand on the 2023 Illinois Grocery Initiative by allowing the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide grants for equipment upgrades for farmer-owned grocery stores or markets. Currently, DCEO provides these grants to existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores or not-for-profit grocery stores.

Turner’s initiative comes in response to a “self-service” grocery store in Riggston that sells products in the area, providing local products to consumers.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced that four organizations in Springfield and Decatur have received funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship program.

"Growing diversity in the building trades is not just a Chicago priority — we are charging forward like never before with three programs between Decatur and Springfield," said Turner (D-Springfield). "Expanding the trades gives people a path to secure stable, good-paying careers in a high-demand industry.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded over $18 million in grants to 36 recipients through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Macon County, Richland Community College and Sista Girls and Friends received a combined total of nearly $2 million to create a diverse pool of talented and qualified candidates in construction and building trades.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced Monday that two areas of Springfield are being recognized as State-Designated Cultural Districts.

"During my time on Springfield City Council, I began working on ways to integrate our Black history while incorporating economic development opportunities throughout our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These official designations are essential to preserving our history, highlighting our important legacy and significant contributions from the Great Migration and onward.”

State-Designated Cultural Districts are communities, towns or specific geographic areas that have a distinct shared historical and cultural identity that binds the community together. The purpose of the program is to encourage economic development, support the preservation and development of history and culturally significant structures, traditions and languages, foster local cultural development and education, provide a focal point for celebrating communities’ unique cultural identities, and promote equitable growth and opportunity without generating displacement.

“In a landmark day for Springfield, the awarding of two cultural district designations to East Springfield - the Southtown Cultural District and the Central East Cultural District - reinforces a principle we’ve long held dear: effective leadership is crucial,” said Springfield Project President Dominic Watson. “The Springfield Project is immensely proud to collaborate with Senator Turner in fostering a community where inclusivity and mutual benefit are the cornerstones. This achievement not only honors our city’s rich history but also paves the way for a more welcoming and prosperous future for all our residents.”

The new districts in Springfield, Central East Cultural District and Southtown Cultural District, are led by efforts from the Springfield Urban League Inc. and the Springfield Project. Now, they will be eligible to apply for $3 million in funding that will be tailored to fit the needs of individual Cultural Districts and support the goals of the program to foster economic development and help communities preserve their unique cultural identities.

“We stand at a pivotal juncture in our history, where the recognition of Springfield's Central East Cultural District not only honors our past but also paves the way for a future brimming with opportunity and inclusivity," said President & CEO of the Springfield Urban League Marcus E. Johnson. "I extend my deepest gratitude to Senator Doris Turner, Governor Pritzker, and Lieutenant Governor Stratton for their visionary leadership. This designation magnifies the legacy and contributions of our community, aligning perfectly with the Springfield Urban League's mission to empower and uplift."

Learn more about the Springfield Project and Springfield Urban League, Inc.

SPRINGFIELD – Five transit providers in Springfield and Decatur were awarded more than $2.2 million to offer safe, reliable and accessible transportation options, thanks to strong support from State Senator Doris Turner. 

“When we invest in our transportation services, we are investing in our communities and the people who live there,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Central Illinois will be better equipped to connect our urban and rural communities by providing transportation for anyone who needs it.”

Through the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, more than 500 paratransit vehicles valued at $57.1 million have been awarded to 113 transit providers. The vehicles will be delivered to public transportation providers as well as nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Three Springfield transit providers, including Senior Services of Central Illinois, Inc., Sangamon County and Springfield Mass Transit District, are set to receive 15 vehicles, totaling more than $1.4 million. Macon Resources and the City of Decatur were awarded $816,000 for 10 vehicles. The program helps smaller transit agencies navigate the red tape of the public bidding process while ensuring their vehicles meet federal requirements and specifications.

A full list of awardees can be found here.