Turner advocates for agriculture, education investments

• Budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement in response to the governor’s proposed budget address Wednesday:

“Here in Illinois, agriculture drives our economy. As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I hope to see continued investments in our farmers and agriculture education as we work through the budget process.

“Education has always been a top priority of mine. This proposal includes essential investments into early childcare education to set children up to be lifelong learners and put them on a path to great success. We have to remove the barriers families face when deciding if they can send their kids to school or put food on the table. A strong investment in early childhood education can set up our youth for a brighter tomorrow.

“Illinois is home to a number of elite higher education institutes. I believe that the proposed increase in funding for the MAP grant program will help make college more affordable for working families.

“Additionally, investing in alternative opportunities for students after high school provides more workforce training to start a career in the trades and ensures our community’s workforce is set up to tackle the jobs of the future. Investments in our infrastructure to rebuild Illinois brings jobs and economic development – this is a win for all.

“The proposed budget sets a framework for us to begin budget negotiations. I look forward to working with my colleagues and be a voice for the agriculture industry, Illinois’ education system and working families across the state.”

Turner supports $1.45 million investment to expand trades in Springfield, Decatur

SPRINGFIELD – Construction and building trades will be expanded in Central Illinois thanks to a $1.45 million investment secured by State Senator Doris Turner.

"Growing diversity in the building trades is not just a Chicago issue: we are charging forward like never before with three programs between Decatur and Springfield," said Turner (D-Springfield). "Expanding the trades gives people a path to secure stable, good-paying careers in a high-demand industry.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship was created to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. 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 long-term employment.

A total of $13 million for the program’s second year will expand access to the program across the state and will serve up to 1,400 pre-apprentices – a 40% increase from the program’s inaugural year. With the support of Turner, $1.45 million will be coming to Macon County, Richland Community College and Sista Girls and Friends in Decatur and Springfield to expand pre-apprenticeship programs.

 “We have worked to expand opportunities and bring more jobs to Central Illinois,” Turner said. “This key investment opens a number of doors for residents.”

Participants of the program attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive, barrier reduction services to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry aligned certifications to prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.

Information on the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can be found here.

Nearly $11 million coming to Sangamon County transportation with strong support from Turner

• Rebuild Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – With the strong support of State Senator Doris Turner, Sangamon County and Sangamon Mass Transit District will receive nearly $11 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. People rely on SMTD to get around and this funding will make it more accessible and easier 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 Sangamon Mass Transit District will receive $7.97 million to expand and rehabilitate the facility and build a secondary transfer center. Sangamon County is set to receive $2.98 million for the bus barn and office.  

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

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.