DECATUR — State Senator Doris Turner celebrates the creation of more than 125 jobs coming to Decatur which will produce materials used in the creation of biodegradable, eco-friendly plastics used in everyday products.

“This new venture will create good-paying jobs and stimulate economic growth in Decatur,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This is an excellent opportunity to bring growth to the region and revitalize our communities. Additionally, a shift towards biodegradable, eco-friendly plastics promotes sustainability and provides our communities with a brighter tomorrow.”

GreenWise Lactic, the first of the two joint ventures, will produce up to 150,000 tons of high-purity corn-based lactic acid annually. ADM will be the majority owner of GreenWise – which is contributing the fermenting capacity available at its Decatur bioproducts facility to the venture. Lactic acid has a broad range of uses including cosmetics, food, feed and bioplastics.

TAYLORVILLE – Thanks to support from State Senator Doris Turner, Taylorville will receive a $3 million investment as part of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program.

“Our local business districts are the heart and soul of our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These investments in our small businesses will help grow our economy and create new jobs in Christian County. We need to continue to look for ways to support our local businesses.”

With new federal funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administered grants to 50 commercial corridors throughout the state. The City of Taylorville received funding to make needed improvements at the Downtown Taylorville Square and business corridor.

SPRINGFIELD — To help save homeowners money on rising utility bills, State Senator Doris Turner is teaming up with the Citizens Utility Board for two utility bill clinics in Springfield and Decatur.

“These free utility bill clinics will provide residents with opportunities to save money,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “It is vital that government connects families with informative and useful resources.”

The clinics will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the Lincoln Library, located at 326 S. 7^th St. in Springfield and Thursday, Aug. 11 at Turner’s Decatur Office, located at 1210 S. Jasper St. in Decatur. Both clinics will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD – Starting Friday, Illinois will institute a 10-day tax holiday on school supplies and clothes for working families and teachers, reducing shopping costs to prepare for the upcoming school year, State Senator Doris Turner announced.

“Illinois is offering support to working parents, teachers, and guardians for the upcoming school year, giving back to our residents by reducing the burden of buying school supplies they need for their children’s academic success,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By making a tax holiday, Illinois is looking out for residents and assisting with the financial cost to ensure students are prepared for their educational experience.”

The law lowers the state tax rate on school supplies and eligible clothes and footwear from 6.25% down to 1.25% for 10 days from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14, 2022.

“I encourage everyone to take advantage of this holiday and shop local whenever possible to make sure our students are ready to succeed,” Turner said.