SPRINGFIELD – To promote public involvement and embody civic pride for Illinois, a measure sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner that would create a commission to develop a new official state flag passed the Senate State Government Committee Wednesday.

“Illinois is a diverse state made up of rural, urban and suburban communities known for its agriculture, strong workforce, home of Abraham Lincoln and more,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Our flag doesn’t show that. It’s time we have a flag that truly represents our state.”

Senate Bill 1818 would create the Illinois Flag Commission to develop new state flag designs. The commission would make recommendations to the General Assembly deciding whether the current state flag should be replaced with a redesigned state flag by Sept. 1. If they decide the flag should be replaced, the commission would report recommendations to the General Assembly by Dec. 3, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner will serve as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the 103^rd General Assembly.

“As a lifelong resident of Springfield, I understand the importance the agriculture industry plays in our daily lives,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Prioritizing farmers, encouraging students to learn about agriculture and uplifting the industry that puts food on our tables is vital.”

Turner served on the Senate Agriculture during the 102^nd General Assembly. In December, she was awarded the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education in Springfield for her efforts in prioritizing the agriculture industry as a state legislator.

DECATUR – With the strong support of State Senator Doris Turner, the city of Decatur will receive nearly $6 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“Infrastructure investments are vital to expanding downstate transportation needs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have seen remarkable improvements through the Rebuild Illinois capital program. Expanding Decatur’s transit campus, buying additional buses and installing solar panels on the bus barn will increase accessibility for residents to get around town.”

Springfield –State Senator Doris Turner joined the governor and a number of local community leaders Thursday to highlight investments into the Preschool for All program.

 “I’m proud of the work we have done to promote high quality education for our children,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Preschool is the very beginning of our student’s education. Giving our children a strong education at an early age gives them the foundation for more educational opportunities to come. I look forward to working more with Governor Pritzker to continue high quality childhood education for all of our children throughout Sangamon County.”

This visit comes after the increased funding of the Early Childhood Block Grant last August. This increase brought in an all-time high for statewide funding. This allows young children the ability to receive home-visiting services, as well as half-day and full-day preschool. Since the grant has been introduced, the Illinois has seen over 6,300 new half-day preschool slots, 1,000 new full-day preschool slots and 1,075 new home-visiting slots.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner recently accepted the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education in Springfield for her efforts in prioritizing ag as a state legislator.

“Agriculture plays an important role in our local economy and is the reason we have food on our table,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Educating students about the agricultural industry encourages them to be a part of one of Illinois’ most vital productions.”

The Jim Guilinger Legislative Award is presented to legislators who advocate for and have been publicly supportive of Illinois agricultural education. The agricultural industry makes up about a quarter of Illinois’ jobs.

SPRINGFIELD – To alleviate obstacles to affordable and accessible healthcare in Central Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner is calling on the governor’s office to use its statutory authority to defend people’s right to accessible and affordable care.

About a year ago, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois cut Springfield Clinic from its network, devastating more than 55,000 Blue Cross customers, many who are still struggling to find new doctors or file continuity of care requests with Blue Cross.

“Residents in the Springfield area have the right to affordable and accessible healthcare,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “A year later, I am still hearing from families, local businesses and individuals that matters are getting worse. It appears like the Blue Cross providers directory is out of date and that they are a significantly inadequate provider network to meet the health needs of Central Illinois residents.”

Turner sent a letter to the governor’s office asking for them to find a remedy to take quick action regarding BCBSIL’s provider directory and failure to meet network adequacy regulations or prohibit the company from selling inadequate plans for the 2023 plan year.

SPRINGFIELD – During National Diabetes Month, State Senator Doris Turner is urging residents to take their health into their own hands by educating themselves and others on detection and available resources to help combat the disease.

According to the American Diabetes Association, in Illinois more than 1.3 million people have diabetes, which is 12.8% of the population.

“There is a significant chance that you have a loved one, friend or neighbor that has been diagnosed with diabetes,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “During National Diabetes Month, we must raise awareness and educate ourselves on available treatment, resources and possible dangers of this condition.”

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.