Turner: We can’t let seniors be the target of deceptive practices

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner led a measure through the Senate to stop insurance companies from soliciting nursing home residents.

“We can’t let seniors be the target of deceptive practices by insurance companies,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Protections need to be in place to stop the endless flood of spam trying to swindle our seniors for a service they already have.”

House Bill 1865 would make it illegal to solicit a resident of a nursing home or long-term care facility, or someone over the age of 65 to purchase accident and health insurance unless the insurance company waits 48 hours before making any insurance-related changes and the individual is given the ability to opt out.

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Turner: AEDs save lives

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would require AEDs in nursing homes.

“AEDs save lives,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Having them at nursing homes will increase the chances of survival during cardiac arrest.”

House Bill 1287 would require nursing homes to have an automatic external defibrillator by Jan. 1, 2030. Additionally, Turner’s measure requires all facility staff certified to use an AED to have completed courses in CPR and AED usage.

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Turner measure adding mental health resources to teacher IDs passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Teachers could soon see mental health resources on their school IDs under a measure led by State Senator Doris Turner that passed the Senate.

“As societal pressures grow, more people are prioritizing their mental health, helping to break down the stigma surrounding it,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Resources need to be easily accessible, especially for teachers who may need it for themselves or a student in a time of need.”

House Bill 3000 would require all school districts serving students in grades 6-12 to have the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line, and the Safe2Help Illinois helpline on all employee IDs.

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Turner works to bring fresh, homegrown food to schools

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure to bring fresh, healthy food to schools.

“Students need access to healthy food in schools to increase focus and brain development, setting them on a path to success in the classroom,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We should utilize our state’s strong agriculture industry by bringing those products into schools.”

Senate Bill 1522 would appropriate $2 million to the Illinois State Board of Education for grants, contracts and administrative expenses under the federal Farm to School State Formula Grant.

Turner worked with Beyond Green Sustainable Food Partners, a firm that partners with schools and other organizations to implement affordable, sustainable changes in institutional kitchens. A total of 15 schools in Illinois currently use the model, including schools in Pawnee, Cobden, Murphysboro, Porta, northwestern Macoupin County and New Berlin. Turner’s initiative would allow more schools to participate in the Farm to School program.

“Public schools and institutions order mostly processed foods that lead to poor health,” said Beyond Green Partners Founder Greg Christian. “With measures like these, I believe Illinois can rebuild a local food system through institutional kitchens, like those in schools.”

Senate Bill 1522 was heard in the Senate Appropriations-Education Committee on Tuesday.