Turner named chair of Senate Agriculture Committee

• Agriculture

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner will serve as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the 103^rd General Assembly.

“As a lifelong resident of Springfield, I understand the importance the agriculture industry plays in our daily lives,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Prioritizing farmers, encouraging students to learn about agriculture and uplifting the industry that puts food on our tables is vital.”

Turner served on the Senate Agriculture during the 102^nd General Assembly. In December, she was awarded the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education in Springfield for her efforts in prioritizing the agriculture industry as a state legislator.

Turner previously led legislation to add agricultural sciences as a type of course that may be counted toward the requirement for three years of science in order to gain admission to an Illinois public university, and has been a staunch advocate of agricultural education. She believes it is crucial that today’s youth understand the ever-evolving and expanding agricultural industry with the knowledge gained through a current and progressive agricultural education.

“I will work to address the issues and concerns that face Illinois’ farming community,” Turner said. “Throughout Central Illinois and across the state, agriculture has a strong economic impact. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and stakeholders to better the lives of our farmers.”

For a full list of Turner’s committee assignments, click here.

Turner responds to the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis

"Seeing the footage of Tyre Nichols' brutal beating is extremely unsettling. Year after year, day after day, we continue to see brutal murders of Black and Brown people at the hands of police across the country. Enough is enough. This has to stop.

 

"We cannot continue to sit by and watch. Here in Illinois we have fought to end systemic racism, but there is more to do. My heart goes out to Tyre Nichols and his family. I will continue to fight for what is right."

Turner secures nearly $6 million for Decatur transportation improvements

• Decatur
• Rebuild Illinois

DECATUR – With the strong support of State Senator Doris Turner, the city of Decatur will receive nearly $6 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“Infrastructure investments are vital to expanding downstate transportation needs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have seen remarkable improvements through the Rebuild Illinois capital program. Expanding Decatur’s transit campus, buying additional buses and installing solar panels on the bus barn will increase accessibility for residents to get around town.”

The third round of Rebuild Illinois grants provides $113.8 million for Downstate transit providers as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program. Awards are supporting projects that include the purchase of new vehicles as well as the construction of stations and maintenance facilities that improve service.

The city of Decatur will receive $5.89 million to expand and rehabilitate the transit campus, replace old busses and install solar panels on the bus barn.

“We can’t thank Governor Pritzker and IDOT enough for the state’s investment in public transportation in Decatur,” said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. “We are very excited to continue transforming our transit campus to support new alternative-fuel technologies and the next generation of public transportation.”

To find a full list of projects, visit IDOT’s website.

Turner kicks off Valentine’s Day card drive for seniors

• Card Drive

SPRINGFIELD – To express love and lift the spirits of local seniors, State Senator Doris Turner is collecting store bought or handmade cards to deliver to long-term care facility residents for Valentine’s Day.

“Seniors are a big part of our community and writing them a note can remind them they’re appreciated,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Taking time out of our days to do a little act of kindness can go a long way to make someone to feel loved this Valentine’s Day.”

Turner is collecting store bought and handmade cards for local seniors. People are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to her district offices, located at 401 S. Spring St. Section F, Room B Springfield, IL 62706 or 1210 S. Jasper St. Decatur, IL 62321. She is collecting cards until Feb. 10 and then will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

People with questions can reach out to Turner’s Springfield office at 217-782-0228 or Decatur office at 217-706-5311.