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.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Doris Turner (D- Springfield) is encouraging teens who currently or previously were under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to apply for the 2022 DCFS Scholarship Program.

“This scholarship program provides a life changing opportunity to our most disadvantaged youth,” said Turner. “With the necessary tools being provided, students are able to take control of their destiny without the burden of student loans weighing them down.”

Former and current DCFS youth who are between the ages of 16 and 21 are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit a personal statement along with three letters of recommendation from non-relatives. The selection committee also requests that applicants submit their scholastic record, community involvement and extracurricular activities for further evaluation. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD – To address the teacher shortage across Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is leading 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 well-qualified substitute to stand in their place,” said Turner “The pandemic has caused many aspects of our society to adapt – especially 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 have qualified individuals step in is vital time. The bill will raise the cap on consecutive days a short-term sub can teach from five to 15 days.