SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined members of the Illinois Flag Commission at a press conference Thursday to announce residents can now submit new flag designs.

“History is living, breathing and ever-evolving,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We need to ensure government is evolving with the times so people are engaged and a part of what is going on across the state. My hope is that Illinois’ flag will truly represent Illinois – a state with a strong workforce, an agriculture champion and so much more.”

Turner led Senate Bill 1818 to create the Illinois Flag Commission to develop new state flag designs. The commission will make recommendations to the General Assembly deciding whether the current state flag should be replaced with a redesigned state flag by April 1, 2025.

“Considering our state flag has remained essentially the same for more than 100 years, I’m excited to see the creativity and the passion of the new designs,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office chairs the Flag Commission. “I thank Senator Turner and Representative Buckner for sponsoring this legislation that not only gives the public an opportunity to create a new flag, but to vote on one that exemplifies and celebrates our great state.”

Public submissions for a new state flag design will be accepted now until Oct. 18. People can submit designs here.

“As an historian, it is exciting to witness states across the country examine their changing identity to see if our state flags reflect the progress made since the flags were designed,” said Tandra Taylor, interim director for the Institute for Community Justice and Racial Equity at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. “The Illinois state flag, like other states’, has not significantly changed in about 100 years. Yet so many things have changed about our state’s identity and values. I’m proud to be a part of the commission responsible for considering the future of Illinois’ flag.”

The commission will select 10 designs based on how they reflect the identity of Illinois and will host an online public survey for the public to vote on their favorites or to keep the current flag. Voting will begin Jan. 1 and last six weeks.

“Flags come from heraldry, from a time in history when soldiers would come from the same small area and go to fight far from home,” said Doctor of American Studies and Folklore Ben Aldred. “A flag was a symbol that helped you stay together, reunite with your friends, remember where you came from and what you fought for. Finding the right flag means finding the people who share your definition of home. That’s the chance we have here, to help define what that home means to us and the statement we make to the world together.”

Residents with questions can reach out to Turner’s office at 217-782-0228.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner was proud to visit Washington, D.C. last week to stand in support of the president signing a proclamation to designate a national monument to commemorate the 1908 race riot in Springfield.  

“The Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument is a solemn reminder of the tragic events that took place in our city,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This designation is an important step toward healing and reconciliation, giving us space to educate and reflect.”

President Joe Biden signed a proclamation Friday designating a national monument to honor the 1908 race riot in Springfield that caused numerous deaths, injuries and destroyed dozens of Black-owned businesses and homes.

The monument will feature interpretive exhibits, educational programs, and preserved historical sites to highlight the riot's impact on the Black community.

“This monument isn’t just about looking back at what happened – it’s about facing the past head-on and learning from it,” said Turner. “It will show the strength and resilience of our community, our shared commitment to justice and equality, and remind us of our promise to build a future where these kinds of injustices won’t happen again.”

Turner has been a steadfast leader in securing national monument recognition for the 1908 Springfield Race Riot Site and looks forward to the site being a place that helps educate future generations while boosting local tourism and supporting national discussions on race and justice.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Doris Turner protects consumers by requiring notice ahead of automatic renewals offered by businesses.

“Businesses have been taking advantage of consumers for far too long,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to put guardrails in place that protect consumers, and this law will close the loophole business have been using.”

Turner’s law will require businesses offering a free trial or promotional period of its products and services that automatically renew to notify consumers by email at least three days before the cancellation deadline. The law applies to free gift or trial periods that last longer than 15 days.

SPRINGFIELD – Farmer-owned grocery stores or markets can now apply for grants thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner.

“With this expansion, we are prioritizing our small-scale farmers who work every day to put food on our tables,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Food deserts, especially in Central and Southern Illinois, deprive people of fresh, nutritious foods. This is an important step to tackling food deserts while uplifting our farmers.”

Senate Bill 3219 expands on the 2023 Illinois Grocery Initiative by allowing the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide grants for equipment upgrades for farmer-owned grocery stores or markets.

Turner’s law came in response to conversations with Jenny Sauer-Schmidgall who founded Grab ‘n’ Go Greenhouse, a “self-service” grocery store in Riggston that sells local products in the area.