LITCHFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined Deputy Governor Andy Manar and community stakeholders Monday to announce the award of $8.6 million for a new South-Central Illinois Training & Innovation Center.

The funding will be used to redevelop a warehouse in the City of Litchfield’s Industrial Park and will create a regional training center, providing Career and Technical Training for school districts in Montgomery & Macoupin Counties. The center is expected to launch in fall of 2023.

“We are laying the groundwork for helping people in Litchfield and across Central Illinois meet their full potential and receive the training they need to land a good-paying job,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Ensuring that centers for career and technical education have state-of-the-art facilities is essential for us to build a vibrant economy in our own backyard. I am thrilled to support this amazing opportunity for Montgomery and Macoupin County families, businesses and communities.”

The Center will offer training to both high school students as well as displaced workers located in the region. In partnership with Lincoln Land Community College and Lewis and Clark Community College, students will have the opportunity to earn college credits and industry credentials while still in high school – helping them meet the needs of regional workforce demands while preparing them for postsecondary success.

“Providing students and displaced workers with training opportunities to prepare them for good-paying jobs is a key economic development strategy and focus of the Pritzker Administration,” said Manar. “Establishing a Training & Innovation Center will provide fantastic workforce opportunities for Litchfield and the surrounding region while solidifying the area as a training hub.”

The Center will offer training in auto technology, welding as well as an Illinois Laborers’ & Contractors apprenticeship program focused on the trades. The warehouse will be retrofitted to offer state-of-the-art facilities including a full-scale auto garage, welding center and separate modules different areas within the trades – all designed for hands-on learning.

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SPRINGFIELD— State Senator Doris Turner urges residents across the 48^th District to show their appreciation to emergency personnel on First Responders Day, which falls on Friday, Oct. 28.

“Our first responders serve as a lifeline in our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This annual holiday serves as a reminder that we must come together as a community to celebrate the sacrifices and selfless work our emergency personnel execute year-round.”

This day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

Turner reminds residents to extend gratitude to first responders and their families and to remember those lost in the line of duty. 

“It is vital that we celebrate and thank these selfless heroes that work throughout the year to keep our communities safe,” said Turner. “We cannot thank them enough for the work they do.”

Turner urges residents to take the time on Oct. 28 to reach out to the first responders and emergency personnel in the community to thank them for their work and contributions to keeping communities across Central Illinois safe.

SPRINGFIELD – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Zeta Phi Betta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter was awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, State Senator Doris Turner announced Thursday.  

“The residents across the 48^th District should have access to essential health care needs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By working together, we can ensure we are putting our communities on a path toward greater post-pandemic healing.”

Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity (ARISE) is a joint initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Minority Health Services and The Center for Rural Health, in collaboration with Well-Being and Equity (WE) in the World.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter in Sangamon County is one of the 18 organizations across Illinois awarded funding to address systemic health disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter is grateful to receive the ARISE Grant,” said Queen Drake, President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter. “Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter and their Foundation look forward to providing a platform centered around programs, speakers and educational materials on the importance of and educating our low income community on the importance of getting vaccinated and boosted.”

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DECATUR – To help save homeowners money on their utility bills, State Senator Doris Turner is hosting a free clinic with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. 

“This event will provide residents with the opportunity to learn how to reduce their utility bills,” said Turner (D-Springfield).  “With so many families struggling, I’m glad to be able to connect them with available resources to help them save their hard-earned money.”

The clinic will take place at Turner’s Decatur Office located at 1210 S. Jasper St. in Decatur. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their gas, electric and phone bills for free, one-on-one consultations with CUB’s experts.

To help accommodate interested participants, Turner’s office is asking those interested to register for the event by calling her Decatur office at 217-706-5311 for a one-on-one consultation with a CUB professional to discuss lowering their electric, water, gas, phone, cable and internet bills.  Registration is recommended but walk-ins are welcome.

During the event, the representative will evaluate participants’ bills to determine if they are signed up with an alternative supplier or paying for unnecessary products or services. CUB will also let participants know if they are eligible for money-saving programs, like financial assistance, and share information about energy efficiency programs.

Turner encourages residents to take advantage of this free clinic to keep their utility usage and costs in check.

For more information on the program, visit www.citizensutilityboard.org or contact Turner’s office at 217-706-5311.