SPRINGFIELD – To promote community gardening, State Senator Doris Turner championed a measure that would provide incentives for affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening.

“Gardening can help households cut down on food costs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Providing affordable housing units an incentive to garden allows residents to have access to nutritional foods right outside their doors.”

House Bill 3892 would allow the Illinois Housing Development Authority to develop a program that provides incentives for affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening.

Turner’s measure would require IHDA to consult with the University of Illinois on the program, work with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to facilitate the distribution of produce from the garden, and provide all necessary tools for the garden.

“Spending time outside gardening can reduce stress and help with a person’s overall physical and mental health,” Turner said.

House Bill 3892 passed the Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD – With strong support from State Senator Doris Turner, over $310,000 will be coming to five local libraries in the 48^th Senate District.

“Libraries play a vital role in our communities and for students and residents,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As a strong advocate for education, I know how important it is for students to have the resources they need to be lifelong learners and libraries are a big part of that.”

The Public Library Per Capita Grants are authorized under Illinois library law for public libraries. Each year the program allocates money for books and learning materials, staff, equipment, digital access and new technology. The following libraries in the 48^th District received funding:

• Lincoln Library – $168,731
• Stonington Township Library – $1,464
• Rochester Public Library District – $11,121
• Decatur Public Library – $104,019
• Chatham Area Public Library District – $25,601

More information about the Public Library Per Capita grant program can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – To remove barriers for motorcyclists, State Senator Doris Turner championed a measure through the Senate that would remove the requirement to complete a duplicate driver’s test with the Secretary of State.

“Young motorcyclists have to take repetitive, unnecessary tests to get their license,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Removing this requirement is an easy fix to speed up the process.”

House Bill 2582 would remove the requirement for a motorcyclist under the age of 18 to complete a motorcycle driver's examination with the Secretary of State. Under current law, 16 to 17 year old motorcyclists are required to complete a Cycle Driver Testing Course provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation and an additional examination by the Secretary of State.

“This initiative doesn’t lessen requirements for these drivers, but eases the process by removing a duplicate test,” Turner said. “This is one step we can take to get rid of a redundant process.”

House Bill 2582 passed the Senate and heads to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD – To prioritize agricultural education experiences, State Senator Doris Turner spearheaded a measure through the Senate that allows students to count hours that they participate in a work-based learning experience as hours of school work, including Future Farmers of America or 4-H program competitions or exhibitions.

”Students learn through experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’ve been a strong advocate for ag education and want to ensure students aren’t being jeopardized for attending FFA and 4-H program events. These programs provide hands-on experience in the agriculture industry which is prominent here in Illinois.”

House Bill 3814 would allow students to count hours that they participate in a work-based learning experience as hours of school work. The measure would include participation in scheduled events of state and national Future Farmers of America associations as well as 4-H programs as part of organized competitions or exhibitions – something Turner advocates strongly for.

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.

“When events like fairs and competitions conflict with school schedules, students have been penalized for missing school” Turner said. “As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a member of the Senate Education Committee, I know the valuable experiences students get from participating in hands-on learning. This is one step forward to continue encouraging students to learn about agriculture and what the industry has to offer.”

House Bill 3814 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.