Welcome to Illinois State Senator Doris Turner Legislative Website

Turner advances Downtown Springfield Economic Development Plan

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to revitalize downtown Springfield, State Senator Doris Turner is spearheading a package that would spur economic development in the capital city.

“This isn’t just about saving downtown,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This is about investing in the future of our capital city while ensuring we are boosting economic development, bringing in good-paying jobs and creating an environment for residents and visitors to enjoy for decades to come.”

Senate Bill 2829 is a package of economic development initiatives and proposals for the city of Springfield that would promote business, industry, commerce and tourism in Springfield, Sangamon County and Illinois. The Capital City Downtown Medical District would have the authority to construct housing, educational buildings and research facilities. The Capital Area Tourism Authority would exercise certain economic development powers to finance and fund the development and construction of a new convention center hotel and the expansion of the existing Bank of Springfield convention center.

To meet the revitalization goals, Senate Bill 2829 would:

• Establish the Capital Area Tourism Authority, allowing it to exercise certain economic development powers.
• Rename the Mid-Illinois Medical District to the Capital City Downtown Medical District and expand the current boundaries of the medical district from Madison Street to South Grand Avenue, excluding the area designated as part of the master planning area for the Capitol complex.
• Establishes a new capital city construction jobs income tax credit and a historical building rehab tax credit.

“Four units of government are working together to revitalize downtown, proving that when we share a vision, we can accomplish so much,” said Turner. “Springfield is the home of state government. It’s where Lincoln grew up. It’s a city full of history. It’s time we put politics aside and give downtown Springfield the attention it deserves.”

Senate Bill 2829 passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.

Turner kicks off annual Summer Book Club

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is launching her annual summer reading program for children who live in the 48th District.

“Reading keeps students engaged throughout the summer,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This is one way to get kids excited to read while expanding their wealth of knowledge.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Turner’s Springfield, Decatur or Capitol office by Aug. 14. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Turner.

The form can be filled out online here, or request a copy to be mailed by calling Turner’s office at 217-782-0228.

Turner works to expand opportunities for students with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner championed a measure through the Senate to increase awareness of work incentives for students with a disability by requiring schools to share informational materials with parents and guardians.

“Job opportunities and programs are out there for students with disabilities once they’re out of the classroom,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “If we aren’t incorporating the resources into the transition plan out of high school, we are doing the students a disservice.”

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program is a federally funded initiative created to help individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income make informed choices about employment. House Bill 4581 would require informational materials on the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program to be provided to a student and the student's parent or guardian at both the initial transition planning meeting convened for a student with a disability by the school district and during the student's final year in high school.

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Lake Springfield Center Park receives funding thanks to Turner

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner helped secure nearly $200,000 to make updates and improvements, including the addition of a new public boat dock, at Lake Springfield Center Park.

“Investing in the Lake Springfield Center Park will bring new life to the community with a dock and canoe launch, while also making necessary infrastructure improvements,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When it comes to putting our community first, investments like this build a strong foundation for residents to enjoy.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources awarded four grants totaling nearly $670,000 through the Illinois Boat Access Area Development Program to help local governments create boat and canoe access areas on Illinois lakes and rivers.

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