Caucus News

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.

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) invites residents to ask questions and get assistance at her Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event on Monday, Feb. 7 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Custom Cup Coffee.

“This is a great opportunity for the residents of Springfield and surrounding communities to enjoy a cup of coffee while having a conversation about state government, or to simply bring an issue to my attention,” Turner said. “I look forward to having a friendly conversation with those who are available to join me.”

SPRINGFIELD – Dozens of local businesses in and around the district Senator Doris Turner represents were recently awarded approximately $3.3 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to her support.

“These last two years have been a burden on all of us, especially those who own and operate small businesses that drive our local economies,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These grants are giving businesses across our community a lifeline to get back on their feet.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) filed Senate Bill 3197 today to protect the families of Illinois social workers killed in the line of duty.

“When tragedies like this happen, we must ensure the families of those who serve our most vulnerable populations are cared for,” said Turner. “Deidra died as a dedicated public servant for our community, so 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 ages of 18 are eligible to receive health insurance benefits.

Senate Bill 3197 will extend the Public Safety and Police Benefits Act to include DCFS workers, providing benefits to the survivors of social workers killed in the line of duty.

The legislation will be retroactive for one year to ensure the family of the late Deidra Silas receives benefits from the state.