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

“The 250^th anniversary of our country’s founding will be a special time for the nation as we reflect on our history and accomplishments while also charting a course for the future,” Turner said. “Celebrations will ring from the coast of Maine to the glaciers of Alaska, and Illinois will join in those celebrations with a truly special program.”

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 the world’s fair of 1893.

“Our great country has a deep and vast history to share,” Turner said. “I am honored to play a role in this historic event.”

House Bill 5015 passed the Senate and returns to the House for concurrence consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement regarding recent revelations of racist and antisemitic social media posts from a now-former Springfield police officer.

“The comments and views that have been unearthed are shocking and disgusting. They are an affront to our great community and the remarkable men and women of the police department that serves it. I believe there needs to be a thorough, independent investigation of this former officer and his conduct. But I want to thank the department for taking swift action, and I hope to be a resource as we move forward together as a community.”

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus unveiled a $1.8 billion tax relief plan to put money back in people’s pockets – a proposal State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is proud to support.

“Just as families began to bounce back after the financial impact of the pandemic, they were faced with inflation in grocery stores and skyrocketing prices at the pumps,” Turner said. “That’s why we want to use the budget surplus to help families in our communities who have endured so much.”

The plan outlined Friday would directly deliver relief checks valued at $100 per person and $50 per child to state taxpayers making $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – sending money to 97% of taxpayers. Taxpayers could also see an additional $300 property tax relief check.

To address inflation and the rising prices at the pump, the plan also suspends the 1% state grocery tax and the state’s portion of the gas tax increase for six months. Parents could see additional relief at the store from Aug. 5-Aug. 14 thanks to a plan to also wipe out the state sales tax on clothing, shoes and school supplies to give consumers an economic boost as they go back-to-school shopping.

“As families prepare to send their children back to school, they will be able to take advantage of a ten day tax break on clothing and shoes for their children,” Turner said. “This will be a welcome relief to young families with growing children.”

The comprehensive proposal also includes increased tax credits for teachers and volunteer first responders. Senator Turner is working with her colleagues to vote on the measure – Senate Bill 1150 – by the planned April 8 adjournment.

SPRINGFIELD – As the month of April draws near, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) supported a resolution through the Senate to honor the month of April as Illinois State Police Centennial Month.

“100 years ago, our state welcomed the first class of state police officers sworn to protect and serve the people of Illinois,” Turner said. “After a century of excellence, we thank each officer who put their life on the line to ensure the safety and prosperity of Illinois.”

The Illinois State Police started in 1922 with nine patrol officers and now has a force of 1,836 sworn officers and 602 civilian employees working across the state. The original mission was to enforce the weight laws of the state by protecting the “hard roads” from damage caused by overweight trucks. The force and the mission increased over time. Today, ISP officers conduct traffic stops on our highways, analyze DNA to solve the toughest crimes, and much more.

“Our state is undoubtedly a safer place because of the brave men and women who put on a uniform to protect our state,” Turner said. “I am proud to help recognize an exemplary organization that protects our communities in every corner of the state.”

SR 934 passed the Senate today.