SPRINGFIELD – As the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States nears, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is leading a measure to establish a commission to carry out celebrations in Illinois leading up to and commemorating the day.

“America at 250 will be an incredibly special time for the nation as we reflect on our history and accomplishments while also charting a course for the future,” Turner said. “I am honored to play a part in creating a commission that will prepare out state to celebrate the anniversary in a unique way.”

This measure follows a federal initiative to create a national USA 250 commission. Members of the state commission will include representatives from the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as well as members picked by a bipartisan group of government leaders. The Director of the Illinois State Museum will serve as the Illinois America 250 Commission Chair

The commission will work to highlight some important milestones and themes in our state’s history in relation to our nation’s history. Events like the founding of the State, the Lincoln Douglas debates, President Lincoln preserving the Union, and Manifest Destiny.

Our great country has a deep and vast history to share,” Turner said. “I am proud to be a part of this historic event.”

House Bill 5015 passed the Senate State Government Committee and awaits further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum and the City of Springfield are set to receive $662,545 and $355,400 respectively to make improvements and create new exhibits, thanks to support from State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield).

“Our city museums provide excellent educational opportunities and give people near and far the chance to learn about our history,” Turner said. “This initiative is making a significant investment to our local museums that will attract more visitors and educate our community for years to come.”

The Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, overseen by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is open to any museum operated by a local government or built on municipally-owned land. The maximum grant award for projects is $750,000, and matching funds are often required based on museum attendance.

The program will distribute a total of $19.7 million in grants to 36 Illinois museums for facility improvement and development of new exhibits.

Investments for the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program are funded by Rebuild Illinois. More information about the program is available here.

SPRINGFIELD – With the winter snow and ice melting across the central Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is reminding people to be vigilant and make a plan in case of a flood.

“The banks of rivers and streams across the state could swell as ice and snow melts,” said Turner. “It is imperative that community members have a plan in place if a flood occurs.”

Flooding is the most common natural disaster across the country and can threaten almost every community in Illinois. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency in partnership with all local Emergency Management agencies and the National Weather Service is recognizing this week as 2022 Flood Safety Week.

IEMA warns the public that just six inches of water can knock people down and only one foot of moving water can sweep people’s cars away. The group suggests families update their family communications plan and build an emergency preparedness kit.

“Know the signs of an impending flood,” said Turner. “Early action could save a life.”  

For more information on flooding preparedness efforts, people can visit www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – With daylight saving time taking effect this weekend, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is reminding everyone to check and change their smoke detector batteries as well.

“Daylight saving is a great opportunity to make sure your smoke detectors are working,” said Turner. “You are already in the habit of turning your clocks forward, this is another helpful habit to start.”

If you find an alarm that is not working or is expired, replace the alarm immediately with a new 10-year sealed battery alarm. Now is also a great time to review your fire escape plan with your family.

Between the years 2014-2018 the National Fire Protection Association reports, almost three out of every five home fire deaths in the U.S. resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms. The chances of dying in a home fire was reduced by 55% in homes where working smoke alarms are present

“It is truly heartbreaking to hear of countless families across the state pass away due to a fire because of an old battery or a faulty smoke detector,” said Turner. “These tragedies are completely preventable, don’t become another statistic.”

For more information about fire safety, please visit the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance at www.ifsa.org/programs/alarms.