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SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to expand workforce training, State Senator Doris Turner helped secure nearly $820,000 to connect workers with the skills and resources they need to enter in-demand careers while helping employers build the qualified workforce they need to grow.

“When we invest in workforce training, we’re opening the door so that more students and people in our communities can receive the hands-on training that can turn into a secure and stable career,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have worked to expand opportunities and bring more jobs to Central Illinois, and key investments like this directly help grow the workforce pipeline.”

More than $11 million in funding was awarded to 23 organizations across Illinois through the Job Training and Economic Development Program, aimed to expand workforce training, career pathways and support services for Illinoisans facing barriers to employment. JTED addresses the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more barriers to employment.

In the district Turner represents, One On One was awarded nearly $600,000 and the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association received nearly $220,000.

A full list of awardees can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is proud to announce six libraries in the 48th District will be receiving nearly $750,000 for literacy program enhancements, workplace skills development and more.

“Libraries are the cornerstone of every community, and this funding will ensure they continue to serve everyone,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “People of all ages can benefit from the educational resources, programming, and the number of other services offered by our libraries, making this funding so crucial.”

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. The grants will enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs.

Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

SPRINGFIELD – To increase awareness of work incentives for students with a disability, schools are now required to share informational materials with parents and guardians under a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“We have to ensure students, no matter their disability, are set up for success,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Programs, jobs and opportunities are out there – we need to take the extra step to make sure families and students know and understand them so the student can thrive as they transition out of high school.”

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program is a federally funded initiative created to help individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income make informed choices about employment. House Bill 4581 requires informational materials on the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program to be provided to a student and the student's parent or guardian at both the initial transition planning meeting convened for a student with a disability by the school district and during the student's final year in high school.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner will strengthen school policies that protect access to service animals for students with disabilities.

“Students with service animals will no longer face setbacks because of a lack of understanding of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to ensure students feel welcome at school, no matter their needs.”

Students who need service animals in order to equally access public schools are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Senate Bill 2761 will set the tone for school environments that value diversity and inclusion by adding training on the proper handling of service animals in the school setting to the ADA training teachers, administrators and school support personnel already receive.

Turner’s law came in response to an incident involving a Rochester High School student who utilizes a medical alert dog to manage her Type 1 diabetes – alerting the student when her blood sugar drops too low and helping her stay alive. In November, the student reported harassment from other students at a school board meeting, claiming her peers would step on her Labrador’s legs – hurting his hips – pull his tail, throw food at him and bark at him in the hallways. In a video posted by the student on social media, she spoke about the issues and said the school district has not taken action to protect her service animal.

“After meeting with the Rochester student, I knew we needed to take action on a long-overdue proposal so her teachers can access essential information about the protections she and other students are entitled to,” said Turner. “Students and families who rely on accommodations need to be met with compassion – not discrimination.”

Senate Bill 2761 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1.