SPRINGFIELD – To further support families of Department of Child and Family Services workers killed in the line of duty, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure that will treat the death of a DCFS worker similar to the death of law enforcement officers.

“In the aftermath of the fatal stabbing of Deidre Silas, we must ensure the families of those who serve our most vulnerable populations are cared for,” Turner said. “Deidre gave her life as a dedicated public servant for our state, and this is the least we can do to honor her commitment to our state.”

Under the Public Safety and Police Benefits Act, if a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty, his or her spouse and children under the age of 18 are eligible to receive health insurance benefits.

SPRINGFIELD – To improve the quality of health care for people living in rural parts of the state, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to provide financial incentives to physicians who perform medical services in rural areas.

“Passing this bill will mean that people across the state will have an increased access to high quality health care,” said Turner. “We must work to improve access to quality care in rural Illinois.”

Private rural health clinics have opened in more recent years, providing the same quality care as hospitals in communities across the state. Physicians working in private clinics, at times in underserved areas, are not currently eligible for loan forgiveness even though they sometimes work in underserved areas. Senate Bill 3017 will ensure that if the physicians who work in private rural health facilities also receive loan forgiveness.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to honor our state’s fallen heroes, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to honor their next of kin with the presentation of an Illinois flag. 

“Our country would not be where it is today without the sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform,” Turner said. “This measure will help show the respect we have for the families that pay the ultimate sacrifice.”

Under Turner’s measure, if an Illinois resident dies while on State Active Duty or Federal Active Duty, their next of kin would be presented the Illinois state flag by military personnel.

SPRINGFIELD – To address the teaching shortage in the State of Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to allow school districts to hire substitute teachers with a short-term license for longer periods of time.

“Advancing this bill will mean that schools across the state will have an easier time finding a suitable substitute for their classes,” said Turner “The pandemic has caused many aspects of our society to adapt, so shall our schools.”

The pandemic has caused a great deal of disruptions, especially to the education system in Illinois. The state is currently facing a teacher shortage, and with COVID-19 causing a great deal of teacher absences, the need to fill classrooms with substitutes is vital. The bill will raise the cap on consecutive days a short-term sub can teach from five to 15 days.

SPRINGFIELD – To show support to families of our state’s fallen heroes, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to ensure their next of kin is presented an Illinois state flag by military personnel.  

"This bill demonstrates our commitment to honoring those who have lost their lives while serving our great state,” Turner said. “This action is a fitting expression of our condolence and gratitude for a life of public service.”

SPRINGFIELD – To provide assistance to families of Illinois social workers killed in the line of duty, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure that will treat the death of a Department of Children and Family Services worker similar to the death of a police officer.

“In response to the fatal stabbing of Deidre Silas, we must ensure the families of those who serve our most vulnerable populations are cared for,” Turner said. “Deidre died as a dedicated public servant for our community, and this is the least we can do to honor her commitment to our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – To close the health care gap for people living in rural parts of the state, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to provide financial incentives to physicians who perform medical services in rural areas.

“Advancing this bill will mean that people across the state will have more attainable access high quality health care,” said Turner. “We must work to restore access to quality and abundant care in rural Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) issued the following statement on the retirement of Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow:

“Chief Kenny Winslow has served the Springfield community with honor and dignity for many years. We have long had a friendly and productive working relationship going back to my time on the Springfield City Council.

“The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police is lucky to have Mr. Winslow – I know he will provide a great sense of knowledge and experience. I congratulate him on a successful career as police chief, and look forward to his continued service.”

Chief Winslow will be joining the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police as its part-time deputy director.