SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"We have to leave politics behind us and see that this puts people’s lives at risk," said Turner (D-Springfield). “Food assistance programs like SNAP are a lifeline for people who need it most – the working men and women across the state who are trying their best to make it by. It’s past time for us to come together to protect a basic human right.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 50,350 people in the district Turner represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Turner stresses that a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention.

"The federal government needs to act now," said Turner. "This isn’t just about food. It’s about the children, adults and seniors who are being targeted. We have a duty to protect Illinois residents, especially the most vulnerable populations."

Turner is coordinating with state officials and community organizations to prepare for potential disruptions and to ensure vulnerable populations have access to emergency food assistance.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner welcomes Springfield residents to attend a local senior resource fair on Monday, Nov. 10.

“This annual event is a great opportunity for those in the area who would like to seek resources and support for themselves or someone they know,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Events like these create a sense of community and allow us to extend a helping hand to those who need it.”

The free event will take place will take place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army of Springfield, located at 1600 E. Clear Lake Ave.

Seniors will be able to address any concerns or questions directly with various service and health care providers, along with state and local groups.

People with questions about the event can reach out to Turner’s office at 217-782-0228 or SenatorDorisTurner.com.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner secured over $68 million to build and repair infrastructure in Central Illinois.

“Continuing to invest in our roads increases safety, brings more jobs and boosts the local economy throughout our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We made the commitment to improve our state’s aging infrastructure and we are seeing the benefits these investments are making that will have a lasting effect for residents here in Central Illinois.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Turner represents will see infrastructure projects totaling more than $68 million next year.

“With this significant funding coming right to the roads we drive daily, we are investing in the future of our communities,” said Turner.

A full list of projects in the 48^th District can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – Over $227,000 is coming to Springfield and Decatur to support four literacy programs, thanks to strong backing from State Senator Doris Turner.

“Libraries are essential, serving as a vibrant hub in our communities for all residents to utilize," said Turner (D-Springfield). "Investing in our library systems is an incredible way to empower their initiatives, while directly supporting the community."

Over $28 million was awarded to regional libraries systems across the state to enhance online catalogues at local libraries, support day-to-day operations, expand interlibrary loan programs and to radio information services that equip vision-impaired individuals with narrations of newspaper content. Baby TALK received funding to help provide integrated, intensive instruction to improve the basic reading, writing skills, math or English language proficiency of parents and children together.