SPRINGFIELD – SPRINGFIELD – To provide assistance to families of Illinois social workers killed in the line of duty, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure that will treat the death of a Department of Children and Family Services worker similar to the death of a police officer.

“In response to the fatal stabbing of Deidre Silas, we must ensure the families of those who serve our most vulnerable populations are cared for,” Turner said. “Deidre died as a dedicated public servant for our community, and this is the least we can do to honor her commitment to our state.”

Under the Public Safety and Police Benefits Act, if a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty, his or her spouse and children under the age of 18 are eligible to receive health insurance benefits.

SB 3197 will expand upon that to include DCFS workers and provide benefits to the survivors of social workers killed in the line of duty.

The legislation will be retroactive for one year to ensure the family of the late Deidra Silas receives benefits from the state.

“We must protect people like Deidre Silas,” Turner said. “I will continue to push for commonsense reforms to ensure our brave civil servants and their families are protected in the event of a future tragedy.”

SB 3197 passed the Senate State Government Committee on Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure greater protection for Department of Child and Family Services caseworkers, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to protect DCFS caseworkers and investigators. 

“The death of Deidre Silas was a truly tragic moment felt across the state. We must ensure no other caseworker lives are taken in such a despicable way,” Turner said. “This bill will send a clear message that we will do everything in our power to protect the brave men and women who choose this profession.”

Under Turner’s measure, if a person assaults someone they know is a DCFS caseworker or investigator, it will be considered aggravated battery rather than battery. Aggravated battery is punishable by five to ten years imprisonment, rather than battery, which is often less than one year. 

The measure comes following the death of Deidre Silas, a DCFS caseworker who was killed during a home visit last month, and Pamela Knight, who experienced the same tragedy in 2018.

“This bill shows our commitment to protecting our frontline DCFS caseworkers who work to protect our youth every day,” Turner said. “I am hopeful we can continue to work together on this commonsense solution that ensures caseworkers and investigators across our state can safeguard our children’s health and wellbeing with security.”

SB 3070 passed the Criminal Law Committee Tuesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – To show support to families of our state’s fallen heroes, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to ensure their next of kin is presented an Illinois state flag by military personnel.   

“This bill shows our commitment to honoring those who’ve lost their lives while serving our great state,” Turner said. “I am hopeful we can continue to work together to express our condolences and gratitude for a life of public service.”

Under Turner’s measure, if an Illinois resident dies while on State Active Duty or Federal Active Duty, their next of kin would be presented the Illinois state flag by military personnel.

“I have a great respect and honor for our military,” Turner said. “My father and brother are both Army veterans, having served with honor and dignity. While I was lucky that they returned home safely, not every family gets that same joy.”

SB 3459 passed the Veterans Affairs Committee Tuesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) offered the following statement:

“Today’s budget proposal is a great first step in helping the millions of hardworking families that are still struggling to make ends meet due to financial struggles worsened by the pandemic.”

“It seems like almost every day we turn on the news, there is a new tragedy within the Department of Children and Family Services. I am pleased this proposed budget allocates millions of dollars to benefit staffing and caseload management.”

“Further, this budget prioritizes our law enforcement officers by setting forth money to help local municipalities purchase body cameras.”

“There are some encouraging aspects of the governor’s proposal, and I look forward to further discussions in the weeks to come to pass a budget that provides support for all Illinoisans. People around the 48th district are looking forward to a brighter tomorrow, and I intend to play a key role in delivering the support they rightfully deserve. ”