SPRINGFIELD – With strong support from State Senator Doris Turner, Harristown Fire Protection District is set to receive nearly $26,000 in funding to purchase firefighting and ambulance equipment.

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to make sure they are equipped with the safest gear and tools needed to efficiently and effectively do their jobs.”

A total of $1.5 million was awarded to 64 fire departments, districts and EMS providers across the state through the Small Equipment Grant Program administered by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. The program allows eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase.

The Harristown Fire Protection District will receive $25,841 to purchase sets of turnout gear, such as coats and hats, which will be free of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Additionally, the district will be purchasing eight particulate blocking hoods which cover the head, ears and throat to protect firefighters from harmful fire ground carcinogens.

“With the rising costs of PPE, this grant will reduce the strain on the district’s budget allowing replacement of other items needed to continue daily operations,” said Harristown Fire Protection District Chief Steven Gambrill.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner has introduced a measure that would create a commission to develop a new Illinois state flag.

“After more than 100 years of the same design, I think it’s time to rework it," said Turner (D-Springfield). "I'd like to see us take a community approach to create a new design for Illinois’ official state flag."

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.

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.

“This initiative would promote public involvement and embody civic pride for our communities and state,” Turner said. “For years, Illinois was seen as fiscally irresponsible. We have turned that around and returned Illinois to the great state it is and our flag should reflect that.”

Senate Bill 1818 is assigned to the Senate State Government Committee.

DECATUR – State Senator Doris Turner and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services are partnering to host a statewide career fair in honor of Women’s History Month on March 8 in Decatur.

“There are hundreds of jobs available across the state that many people aren’t aware of,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “The state offers great benefits and I encourage those who are interested in a new job or ready to start their career to attend the job fair.”

The free event will be held on Wednesday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Decatur Public Library in Madden Auditorium located at 130 N. Franklin St. in Decatur. Turner is partnering with CMS in honor of Women’s History Month which is celebrated in March.

CMS is the operational engine working behind the scenes to support the more than 80 state agencies, boards and commissions to deliver efficient, reliable services to all Illinois residents.

“Historically, women were discouraged from entering the workplace – let alone taking on leadership positions,” Turner said. “This Women’s History Month, we are uplifting and empowering women to remind them that they have a right to be in the workplace and no one should tell them otherwise.”

To find career opportunities with the state of Illinois, visit work.illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined state and local leaders at a press conference Wednesday to announce investments totaling $900,000 for the Springfield Park District and Macon County Conservation District.

“Investments into our local parks build up our community and neighborhoods, especially in disadvantaged areas,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As a lifelong resident of Springfield, we are fortunate enough to have a variety of parks here and across the 48th District. I have seen the benefits residents get from our parks and I look forward to seeing the projects through for all to enjoy.”

The Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, help communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. The funding will cover the entire cost of projects located in economically distressed communities, including Gietl Park.

Nearly $60 million in grants were awarded to 118 local parks across Illinois – the largest round of grants in the 36-year history of the program. The Springfield Park District will receive $600,000 for a project at Gietl Park that includes demolishing an existing outdoor pool and bathhouse, and construction of a large, modern splash pad designed for multiple age groups. The Macon County Conservation District is set to receive $300,000 to acquire and develop land for public parks and open space.

“Improving Gietl Park is one of my top priorities,” said Leslie Sgro, president of the Springfield Park District Board. “Thanks to Governor Pritzker and the OSLAD grant, the Springfield Park District will be able to renovate a beloved neighborhood park in a distressed part of our community with exciting new facilities that can be enjoyed by all.”

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.