Welcome to Illinois State Senator Doris Turner's Legislative Website

Turner law expands opportunities for students with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – To increase awareness of work incentives for students with a disability, schools are now required to share informational materials with parents and guardians under a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“We have to ensure students, no matter their disability, are set up for success,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Programs, jobs and opportunities are out there – we need to take the extra step to make sure families and students know and understand them so the student can thrive as they transition out of high school.”

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 requires 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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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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