Welcome to Illinois State Senator Doris Turner's Legislative Website

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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Turner secures strong investment to expand Central Illinois’ workforce training

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to expand workforce training, State Senator Doris Turner helped secure nearly $820,000 to connect workers with the skills and resources they need to enter in-demand careers while helping employers build the qualified workforce they need to grow.

“When we invest in workforce training, we’re opening the door so that more students and people in our communities can receive the hands-on training that can turn into a secure and stable career,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have worked to expand opportunities and bring more jobs to Central Illinois, and key investments like this directly help grow the workforce pipeline.”

More than $11 million in funding was awarded to 23 organizations across Illinois through the Job Training and Economic Development Program, aimed to expand workforce training, career pathways and support services for Illinoisans facing barriers to employment. JTED addresses the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more barriers to employment.

In the district Turner represents, One On One was awarded nearly $600,000 and the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association received nearly $220,000.

A full list of awardees can be found here.