Welcome to Illinois State Senator Doris Turner's Legislative Website

Over $615,000 to boost Central Illinois tourism thanks to Turner

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner secured over $615,000 to support projects along Route 66, market local destinations and attractions, and promote Illinois internationally.

“Springfield has a number of attractions that bring visitors here from across the country,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Continuing to make strong investments to drive the tourism industry helps boost our local economies. Central Illinois has so much to offer, and investments like these show the world it’s a great place to be.”

Through the International Tourism Grant Program, Springfield received nearly $160,000 to be used for tradeshows and sales missions, memberships, marketing campaigns, and digital and print media. Grant funding will also be used to help evolve the Springfield's History Comes Alive program into a multi-seasonal program, offering curated experiences in spring and fall in addition to the current summer program. Funds will also be used for print, media advertising and FAM tours in cooperation with the Illinois Office of Tourism.

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Turner announces funding opportunity for local fire departments

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced that applications are now being accepted for the Small Equipment Grant Program benefiting fire departments and ambulance services.

“Fire departments are essential to our community, protecting residents every day,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This grant program ensures they have the essential tools and resources to effectively do their jobs.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program assists fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those experiencing difficulty in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The grants allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small tools and equipment they may otherwise not be able to afford.

A total of $6 million in funding will be available through this year’s program to eligible fire departments and EMS services. Previously, 264 fire departments, fire protection districts and EMS providers across the state were provided nearly $6 million.

All interested departments and ambulance services must submit applications electronically utilizing the application portal that can be found on the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s website.

Turner encourages families to apply for energy bill assistance

SPRINGFIELD – To combat rising energy prices, State Senator Doris Turner encourages eligible families in the 48th District to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“With energy prices on the rise, keeping the power on at home can be a battle for some people,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “If you are struggling to get by, there are programs ready to assist and get you through the winter.”

The LIHEAP program – which opened Oct. 1 – utilizes a priority application system to ensure that families most in need can apply first. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with the eligible income thresholds can be found here.

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Turner announces additional funding to prevent food insecurity

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced new funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative through the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs – representing a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state.

“The Illinois Grocery Initiative has been essential to combating the development of food deserts across the state,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This next round of funding will build upon the state’s continued efforts to eliminate food deserts and support local grocers, while simultaneously boosting our state’s economy.”

The new Grocery Rescue Program will support efforts to reopen stores that have closed within the preceding 12 months. This program is designed to prevent long-term food access loss in low-access tracts, preventing the formation of new food deserts. Funding can be used for store acquisition, repair, refurbishing property and equipment and some first-year operating costs.

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