Dear neighbor,

I recently wrapped up another busy few weeks at the Capitol as my colleagues and I passed a number of bills through the Senate and on to the House. To keep you informed, I have included legislative updates below.

While in Springfield, I continue to work diligently to prioritize you – the people of the 48th District. To make sure you’re in the know, resources for you are outlined below.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 217-782-0228 or SenatorDorisTurner.com.

Best,

Doris Turner

State Senator | 48th District

An Update from Springfield

Increasing student safety

School officials across Illinois have increasingly seen instances of people not properly stopping for a school bus, putting the lives of kids at risk. Student safety has to be our top priority.

That’s why I led a measure to allow a school bus to be equipped with a maximum of two stop arms that partially obstruct the roadway. The extensions would be required to be on the driver's side of the school bus and contain a system of flashing red lights. Read more.

Addressing the nursing shortage

We have seen the impact the nursing shortage has left across the state and country. Ensuring our loved ones have the care they need is important, while also prioritizing the people caring for them.

I passed a bill recently that would establish the Medication Aide Program to give licensed nursing professionals more time to provide critical resident care, while also heightening job satisfaction levels for nurses and offering a potential career path for Certified Nursing Assistants. Read more.

Does Illinois need a new state flag?

History is living, breathing and ever evolving. 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.

That’s why I championed a bill through the Senate that 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. Read more.

Learning through experiences

I’m a strong supporter of ag education and I want students to be able to continue their education outside of the classroom. Hands on learning is essential for students to get the experience they need to understand the agriculture industry.

To prioritize agricultural education experiences, I passed a measure through committee that would ensure schools consider students as being "in attendance" for a Future Farmers of America or 4-H program competition or exhibition. Read more.

Resources for You

Energy bill assistance available

Ameren Illinois is offering flexible payment plans and assistance to customers who have fallen behind on their energy bills. Now through April 30, eligible customers with past-due balances can establish a repayment plan by paying 10% of the amount owed.

To start a payment plan or discuss a utility bill, visit AmerenIllinois.com or call 1-800-755-5000.

Take advantage while you can!

File your taxes before it’s too late

The deadline to file your taxes is just around the corner – file by Tuesday, April 18. MyTax Illinois is a great resource for free filing, making payments, checking your status and more.

Women, Infants and Children

Sangamon County residents! Within the Sangamon County Department of Public Health is a federal nutrition program - Women, Infants and Children (WIC) that offers nutrition education & counseling, breastfeeding support and healthy foods.

The WIC office is located at 2833 South Grand Ave. East in Springfield. It’s open Monday 8-11 a.m. and 1-6 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday 8-11a.m. and 1p.m.-3 p.m. Residents with questions can call 217-535-3102.

Apply today for Back to Business Grants

Are you a hotel or restaurant owner? Do you work in the creative arts? If you answered “yes” and faced financial distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, help is here. $175 million in grants are now available through the Back to Business Program. Learn more at www.illinois.gov/b2b. 

Stay weather alert

Large and severe storms can cause significant destruction and even death. Stay weather alert. Have a plan for your family, know how to stay informed, and be prepared in case emergency strikes. Find Illinois’ Severe Weather Preparedness Guide here.

Broadband Grants are back

Connect Illinois has reopened broadband grants for homes, businesses, schools and more to help mend the digital divide. A total of $350 million is available. Learn more and apply at dceo.illinois.gov. 

Medicaid Members: Don’t forget to verify your information

Medicaid members: Don't risk losing your health insurance. Please update your address with Illinois Medicaid. It's easy, fast, and free: Call 877-805-5312 from 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or visit medicaid.illinois.gov.

In the District

Construction begins for underpass at Madison, Jefferson streets in Springfield

A new $68.3 million underpass at Madison and Jefferson streets in Springfield is the latest landmark for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which will separate railroad tracks from regular vehicle traffic to reduce congestion and delays, improve safety, provide better access for bikes and pedestrians, cut down on emergency response times and enhance local quality of life. Read more. Watch here.

Investing in community colleges

I recently joined state and local officials at a press conference at Lincoln Land Community College to emphasize the importance of investing in Illinois’ community colleges. LLCC 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. Read more.

Agriculture Day at the Capitol

A few weeks ago, agriculture leaders, students, stakeholders and more from across the state came together in Springfield to emphasize the importance of our ag industry. As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, it was an honor to kick off the morning with state and local leaders at a press conference and meet with local FFA students.

In the News

Is it time for Illinois to get a new state flag?

Bill to help Illinois students go to ag conventions passes committee

Illinois senators unanimously pass school bus safety proposal

Bipartisanship part of Ag Legislative Day messages

How Illinois Legislators are Removing Obstacles for 4-H and FFA Youth

SPRINGFIELD – To give back to the community, State Senator Doris Turner is partnering with Meridian and HealthChoice Illinois to host an Easter ham giveaway on Saturday, April 8 in Springfield.

“As a state senator and resident of Springfield, it’s important to me to continue giving back to our community throughout the year, not only during the holidays,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’m excited to join health organizations to provide a meal and resources for residents to enjoy and take advantage of.”

Turner will be giving away 150 hams, as well as health and wellness resources provided by Meridian and HealthChoice.

The event will be held at the Greater All Nation Tabernacle Church located at 100 South 19^th Street in Springfield on April 8 from 1-3 p.m. or while supplies last.

Residents with questions can call Turner’s Springfield office at 217-782-0228.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Transportation and local officials in the announcement of a new $68.3 million underpass at Madison and Jefferson streets in Springfield. This is the latest landmark for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which will separate railroad tracks from regular vehicle traffic to reduce congestion and delays, improve safety, provide better access for bikes and pedestrians, cut down on emergency response times and enhance local quality of life.

“Congestion in downtown Springfield can be hectic, especially when the train crosses right through town during peak traffic hours,” said Turner (D-Springfield), who helped make the Springfield Rail Improvements Project possible. “Emergency vehicles have been delayed getting to and from the medical district, increasing the wait time when residents need medical assistance. This investment not only uplifts the city, but also takes into account the safety, livability and development of Springfield for years to come.”

Following the announcement of the construction, Madison and Jefferson streets will be closed between Ninth and 11^th streets for around 14 months to complete the project. Detours have been posted on the roads. The construction will lower Madison and Jefferson streets and build new railroad bridges to create a set of double tracks for the existing Norfolk Southern Railroad and the proposed Union Pacific Railroad and Amtrak lines.

Madison and Jefferson streets carry a combined 20,000 vehicles a day, serving as a critical link for police, firefighters and two nearby hospitals. Funding for the improvements comes from $13.5 million via the Federal Railroad Administration, $30.9 million from the Illinois Commerce Commission and $23.9 million from IDOT, including $7.4 million through Rebuild Illinois.

The Springfield Rail Improvements Project improves transportation, creates jobs and promotes economic growth in Sangamon County and the city of Springfield. The goal of the project is to streamline railroad operations and reduce the impact of train traffic on the surrounding community by relocating all passenger and freight traffic from the Third Street corridor to 10th Street, as well as creating an underpass and one overpass at key crossings on the 10^th and 19^th street corridors.

Learn more about the Springfield Rail Improvements Project.

SPRINGFIELD – To further increase student safety, State Senator Doris Turner spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would allow school busses to have two extended stop arms.

“Student safety has to be our top priority,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Allowing school busses to have an extended arm would provide more protections for passengers and hopefully lessen the number of drivers who pass stopped busses.”

Senate Bill 2340 would allow a school bus to be equipped with a maximum of two stop arms that partially obstruct the roadway. The extensions would be required to be on the driver's side of the school bus and contain a system of flashing red lights.

“Too often, the safety of our students at bus drop offs and bus pick-ups are placed in jeopardy by distracted drivers. While we hire great bus drivers and teach children to look both ways, we can’t control the actions of a distracted motorist,” said Tip Reedy, Superintendent of Williamsville School District. “We value and appreciate the efforts of Senator Turner and other lawmakers who are taking steps to prevent the occurrence of unsafe and illegal passing of stopped school buses before a tragedy occurs.”

School officials across Illinois have increasingly seen instances of people not properly stopping for a school bus, putting the lives of kids at risk.

“It seems as though the number of distracted drivers on the road is increasing daily, and that is a concern for our bus riders. A flashing stop arm extender is directly in the field of vision of an oncoming driver and will do great things to help combat stop arm violations and continue to make sure our students are transported safely to and from school,” said Matt Peterson, Assistant Superintendent Reed-Custer School District. “The stop arm extender simply takes out any question of ‘do I have to stop?’. When it comes to the safety of the students, we should do whatever we can to make sure vehicles stop for the kids.”

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, 79,959 school bus drivers from around the country reported that 51,593 vehicles had illegally passed their buses on a single day during the 2021-2022 school year.

“We applaud the efforts of Senator Turner and the co-sponsors of Senate Bill 2340 for taking action to empower the use of school bus safety technology to protect students in Illinois on their journey to and from school,” said Trevor J. Clatfelter, Vice President and Director of Government Affairs at BusGates.

Senate Bill 2340 passed the Senate and heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.