Turner: No student should feel ostracized at school

SPRINGFIELD – After meeting with a local student who can no longer take her service animal to school due to claims of harassment from other students, State Senator Doris Turner led a resolution to encourage the review of school policies, ensuring they align with laws regarding service animal access.

“Service animals offer critical assistance for individuals – helping to enhance independence and safety – and when students are in need of this specific accommodation at school, a lack of well-defined policies can lead to disability discrimination,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Whether being used as a vision guide, mobility assistance or medical alert, service animals and the students utilizing them deserve to be safe and protected, especially while they’re at school.” 

Senate Resolution 542 would recognize the importance of service animals in the school setting and encourage a review of policies to ensure that all Illinois schools comply with disability rights laws governing service animal access. Under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals are to assist students in equally accessing public schools and are required to be permitted to accompany a student at all school activities, whether in or outside the classroom.

Turner’s measure comes in response to a recent incident involving a Rochester High School student who utilizes a medical alert dog to manager 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 TikTok posted by the student, she spoke about the issues and said the school district has not taken action to protect her service animal.

“No student should feel ostracized at school, and especially not because of a medical necessity like needing a service animal,” said Turner. “This situation brings to light the importance of legal compliance, the value of schools knowing how to manage conflicts, and the gravity of supporting all students, no matter their needs.

Senate Resolution 542 was adopted by the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

Turner announces funding for local food processing

SPRINGFIELD – As a strong supporter of Illinois farmers, State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging local food processors to apply for the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s new grant, with funding to support food processing, aggregation and distribution. Grants will be available for collaborative projects from $1,000 to $250,000 and for individual projects from $1,000 to $75,000.

“Everyone benefits when we empower our local farmers,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By fortifying the food system, we are supporting our local farmers and mitigating food insecurity. This funding will expand access to fresh, local foods, strengthen the local economy and grow the food supply chain.”

To be an eligible applicant, organizations must meet these qualifications: be an Illinois resident who stores, processes, packages, aggregates or distributes value-added agricultural products, or plan to do so. These entities must meet one of the following criteria: a farm, cooperative or slaughter/processing facility with fewer than 50 employees. As well as an Illinois food business, a food hub, a non-profit organization or a unit of the local government of Illinois. Those interested can prepare for the upcoming application by pre-registering with SAM.gov and the GATA Grantee Portal. 

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Turner releases statement following Grayson sentencing

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement after Sean Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison:

“Nothing will bring Sonya back. Today’s sentencing does not change the fact Sean Grayson took an innocent life.

“I stand with the Massey family and my community as we continue to mourn the unjust loss of Sonya. Since Sonya’s murder, I’ve been committed to making the necessary changes to ensure our community has trust in those who protect and serve, and I’m dedicated to continuing this work now more than ever.”

Turner applauds over $800,000 in funding for local apprenticeship programs

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner helped secure $820,000 through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Richland Community College and the Springfield Project.

“Expanding the trades gives people a path to secure stable, good-paying careers in a high-demand industry,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to continue expanding opportunities and bring more jobs to Central Illinois, and these key investments will open a number of doors for residents.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure a lifelong career.

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