Welcome to Illinois State Senator Doris Turner's Legislative Website

Turner law strengthens school policies for service animals

SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner will strengthen school policies that protect access to service animals for students with disabilities.

“Students with service animals will no longer face setbacks because of a lack of understanding of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to ensure students feel welcome at school, no matter their needs.”

Students who need service animals in order to equally access public schools are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Senate Bill 2761 will set the tone for school environments that value diversity and inclusion by adding training on the proper handling of service animals in the school setting to the ADA training teachers, administrators and school support personnel already receive.

Turner’s law came in response to an incident involving a Rochester High School student who utilizes a medical alert dog to manage her Type 1 diabetes – alerting the student when her blood sugar drops too low and helping her stay alive. In November, the student reported harassment from other students at a school board meeting, claiming her peers would step on her Labrador’s legs – hurting his hips – pull his tail, throw food at him and bark at him in the hallways. In a video posted by the student on social media, she spoke about the issues and said the school district has not taken action to protect her service animal.

“After meeting with the Rochester student, I knew we needed to take action on a long-overdue proposal so her teachers can access essential information about the protections she and other students are entitled to,” said Turner. “Students and families who rely on accommodations need to be met with compassion – not discrimination.”

Senate Bill 2761 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1.

Turner announces workforce training grant program now open

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced the Illinois Workforce Pell, a new program expanding on the federal Pell Grant by allowing eligible students to use grant funding for short-term workforce training programs aligned with in-demand occupations, is now accepting applications.

“Expanding access to workforce training will open the door for more students to learn high quality skills in high demand jobs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As a strong supporter of career and technical education, I know this will continue building a talented workforce for our state.”

By extending Pell eligibility to shorter-term programs, Workforce Pell broadens access to a more affordable path to a recognized credential, tied to employer-validated, high-skill, high-wage or in-demand jobs across the state. Illinois developed a rigorous approval process to ensure participating programs meet high standards for quality, workforce alignment and student outcomes – protecting students while ensuring public investments support credentials with strong labor market value.

Eligible programs are required to demonstrate strong completion and job placement outcomes, employer-validated demand and reasonable tuition relative to graduates' expected earnings – all to ensure that Illinois students can pursue short-term workforce training with confidence. The program also supports the state's broader economic development goals by aligning training investments with the skills employers need across Illinois.

The application for the first round of approvals is now open and closes Aug. 31. Institutions can apply here.

$192 million coming to Springfield road improvement projects thanks to Turner

SPRINGFIELD – Building on her support for the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois program, State Senator Doris Turner announced $192 million in funding for nine projects to upgrade roads and bridges in the Springfield area.

“The bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program has positively impacted the state, and these local infrastructure investments come at a critical time to help downstate transportation,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Investing in Central Illinois’ transportation is vital, as it will continue to create jobs, promote economic growth and keep residents safe when traveling.”

Of the nine major projects in the Springfield area, five are scheduled to be completed in 2026, three are anticipated to be completed from 2027 through 2028 and one is already completed. ​

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Turner announces park district funding now open

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging park districts and municipalities in the 48th District to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant.

“Local parks make our communities beautiful while providing space for families to enjoy the outdoors,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have made historic investments in our local park districts that will have a lasting effect on our neighborhoods.”

This year, $37.5 million in grant funding is available for qualifying applicants. IDNR will provide funding to cover 90% of eligible projects in underserved communities. Eligible projects can include development or renovation of picnic tables, playgrounds, fishing piers, sports courts/fields, park paths and more.

Communities whose parks have been damaged as a result of severe weather are encouraged to apply as well.

OSLAD is a matching state grant program that offers monetary assistance for the acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Since its establishment in 1986, OSLAD has awarded over $675 million for local park projects across the state.

The application is open now and closes on Aug. 31. More information can be found here.