SPRINGFIELD – Insurance companies will no longer be able to solicit nursing home residents under a new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Local nursing home residents had reached out saying they were being solicited to buy new insurance policies or change their current plans,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We can’t let seniors be the target of deceptive practices by insurance companies.”

SPRINGFIELD – Anesthesia services, regardless of duration, will be covered by insurance companies under a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Insurance coverage isn’t a timeshare, and companies shouldn’t have the ability to sell plans that burden people,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Patients’ health needs to be the top priority for insurance companies, not lining their own pockets.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging people to apply for the fifth round of funding for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline and boosts diversity in the construction industry and building trades.

“Expanding the trades gives people a path to secure stable, good-paying careers in a high-demand industry,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have worked to expand opportunities and bring more jobs to Central Illinois and these key investments will open a number of doors for residents.”

This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups in the construction trades – including people of color, veterans and women. This round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program funding will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner secured nearly $320,000 in grant funding to boost tourism in Springfield.

“Investing in tourism boosts the local economy and creates more jobs while uplifting the community,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “With this funding, we have a great opportunity to showcase Route 66 and its ties to Springfield and Central Illinois.”

Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, a total of $4 million was awarded to five grantees through the Route 66 Grant Program to help promote, develop, preserve and educate visitors about the Illinois Route 66 corridor in preparation for its 100th anniversary in 2026.

The Springfield Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureau received $300,000 for four projects that will further highlight Route 66 sites, making them more appealing and desirable to visit. The funding will support and promote tourism for the Route 66 100th anniversary by offering visitors a legendary experience along with a deeper look at the history and culture of the region.

In addition, the bureau received nearly $20,000 to contract with the Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space to secure space for a free exhibition that will showcase Bob Waldmire’s distinctive artistic style, including his detailed maps and vibrant artwork that captures the spirit of the historic Mother Road from Illinois to California.

The full list of this round’s grant recipients can be found here.