SPRINGFIELD – As the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States nears, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) championed a measure to establish a commission to carry out celebrations in Illinois leading up to and commemorating the day.

“The 250^th anniversary of our country’s founding will be a special time for the nation as we reflect on our history and accomplishments while also charting a course for the future,” Turner said. “Celebrations will ring from the coast of Maine to the glaciers of Alaska, and Illinois will join in those celebrations with a truly special program.”

This measure follows a federal initiative to create a national USA 250 commission. Members of the state commission will include representatives from the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as well as members picked by a bipartisan group of government leaders. The Director of the Illinois State Museum will serve as the Illinois America 250 Commission Chair.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement regarding recent revelations of racist and antisemitic social media posts from a now-former Springfield police officer.

“The comments and views that have been unearthed are shocking and disgusting. They are an affront to our great community and the remarkable men and women of the police department that serves it. I believe there needs to be a thorough, independent investigation of this former officer and his conduct. But I want to thank the department for taking swift action, and I hope to be a resource as we move forward together as a community.”

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SPRINGFIELD – To offer stability to retailers, bring support to state prosecutors and promote statewide economic growth, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) joined officials with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and Attorney General’s office to discuss a legislative proposal to curb Organized Retail Crime in Illinois at a press conference Tuesday.

“As organized retail theft becomes more prevalent across the country, Illinois is responsible for updating its laws to fight back against the uptick and prioritize public safety for its residents, workers and business community,” Turner said. “By creating the Organized Retail Crime Act, our state has an opportunity to enact one of the most comprehensive crime-curbing efforts in the nation.”

SPRINGFIELD – As the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States nears, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is leading a measure to establish a commission to carry out celebrations in Illinois leading up to and commemorating the day.

“America at 250 will be an incredibly special time for the nation as we reflect on our history and accomplishments while also charting a course for the future,” Turner said. “I am honored to play a part in creating a commission that will prepare out state to celebrate the anniversary in a unique way.”

SPRINGFIELD – With the winter snow and ice melting across the central Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is reminding people to be vigilant and make a plan in case of a flood.

“The banks of rivers and streams across the state could swell as ice and snow melts,” said Turner. “It is imperative that community members have a plan in place if a flood occurs.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum and the City of Springfield are set to receive $662,545 and $355,400 respectively to make improvements and create new exhibits, thanks to support from State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield).

“Our city museums provide excellent educational opportunities and give people near and far the chance to learn about our history,” Turner said. “This initiative is making a significant investment to our local museums that will attract more visitors and educate our community for years to come.”

SPRINGFIELD – With daylight saving time taking effect this weekend, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is reminding everyone to check and change their smoke detector batteries as well.

“Daylight saving is a great opportunity to make sure your smoke detectors are working,” said Turner. “You are already in the habit of turning your clocks forward, this is another helpful habit to start.”

If you find an alarm that is not working or is expired, replace the alarm immediately with a new 10-year sealed battery alarm. Now is also a great time to review your fire escape plan with your family.

SPRINGFIELD – To bring greater awareness and education for kidney health, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) commemorated March 2022 as Kidney Disease Awareness Month and March 10, 2022 as Kidney Day through the passage of a Senate resolution.

“Across the state, people are silently suffering with the pain and hardship that comes with kidney disease,” Turner said. “We are showing those with kidney disease we see them and we understand the struggles they continue to face.”