SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers may soon be required to make regular payments toward the state’s rainy day and pension funds, thanks to State Senator Doris Turner.

Turner (D-Springfield) introduced Senate Bill 4230, which would send $200 million into the fund at the end of each fiscal year or the amount that is necessary to ensure the rainy day fund is 5% of the state budget.

“The state’s budget is a representation of our residents’ values and priorities,” said Turner. “It is important that we put the mechanisms in place to ensure Illinois has a secure financial future. This measure will build these assurances into our budgets going forward to display our commitment to fiscal stability and security.”

In August, the state's Budget Stabilization Fund, commonly known as the rainy day fund, saw its balance exceed $1 billion for the first time.

TAYLORVILLE— Area residents, local organizations and state agencies joined State Senator Doris Turner and the Senior Citizens of Christian County for a senior fair event at the center on Tuesday.

The event provided area seniors the opportunity to connect with local organizations, government agencies, and health care facilities and providers to stay-up-to date with available resources and services. Seniors were also offered the chance to receive flu shots and partake in bone density tests.

“Our community senior fairs help connect area residents with state agencies, health care providers and local organizations to learn more about vital resources and take advantage of screenings and flu shots,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We are thankful for the opportunity to work with the Senior Citizens of Christian County to host this informative event and provide area seniors with helpful services.”

PANA –To promote economic development, Pana will see $38,000 in relief grants thanks to the support of State Senator Doris Turner.

Through the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program, Pana will see a grant to help local governments and economic development organizations develop and create plans to foster relationships with businesses. 

“This funding will give the City of Pana additional support to develop plans to maximize opportunities for collaboration between the city and local businesses,” Turner (D-Springfield) said. “Our goal is to empower municipalities to collaborate to spur economic growth.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is excited to see Decatur and Springfield transit systems receive more than $20 million in federal assistance to increase efficiency and gas emissions of their buses.

The United States Department of Transportation awarded $1.7 billion in grants for low- and no-emission buses and bus facilities programs – and Illinois transit systems received $71.1 million of the funding.

“Decatur and Springfield’s public transit systems help residents get to work, access medical care and connect our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This assistance will help upgrade local buses, decrease vehicle emissions and train staff to operate and maintain these new vehicles.”

DECATUR – State Senator Doris Turner is excited to join community stakeholders to announce that T/CCI Manufacturing in Decatur is the first to be awarded the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois tax incentive package.

Turner (D-Springfield) is pleased to see Decatur becoming an economic hub in Central Illinois.

“This first award through the REV Tax Incentive Program and the grants awarded through Rebuild Illinois are just the beginning of what’s possible when we invest in local business and work together to drive innovation that will change the future of our transportation system,” said Turner. “It can be done, and together, through this public-private partnership we are paving a new road that will lead to economic growth, good paying jobs, and a positive contribution to long-term sustainability initiatives.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is partnering with the City of Springfield and Sangamon County to invite residents to a public meeting highlighting the Third Street Corridor Redevelopment on Thursday, Sept. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bank of Springfield Center.

The open house will allow local residents to learn more about economic development plans in downtown Springfield and provide input.

“For years, I have heard from Springfield residents about the loud train noises and congestion in downtown Springfield,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Residents are extremely passionate about these revitalization efforts. This public meeting is an opportunity for folks to learn more about the improvements and voice their thoughts and opinions.”

TAYLORVILLE – Thanks to support from State Senator Doris Turner, Taylorville will receive a $3 million investment as part of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program.

“Our local business districts are the heart and soul of our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These investments in our small businesses will help grow our economy and create new jobs in Christian County. We need to continue to look for ways to support our local businesses.”

With new federal funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administered grants to 50 commercial corridors throughout the state. The City of Taylorville received funding to make needed improvements at the Downtown Taylorville Square and business corridor.

Turner has been an advocate for the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois program – a historic $45 billion investment in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure and state facilities.

“The $3 million investment into the City of Taylorville will help support projects to modernize infrastructure and spur economic growth all while restoring the charm of our downtown,” said Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry. “I applaud Sen. Doris Turner for her work in securing this grant and also Gov. JB Pritzker and Deputy Gov. Andy Manar for their efforts to revitalize communities in downstate.”

DCEO originally administered $50 million for the program in 2021. Due to federal funding, the state allocated an additional $56 million to support 29 more projects. With matching funds from recipients, a total investment of $215 million was made in downtowns across Illinois.

For a full list of recipients, visit Illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is celebrating $1.5 billion in economic development and 700 jobs coming to central Illinois as the Illinois EPA gives the green light to build a new natural gas-fueled power plant in Pawnee.

“The Lincoln Land Energy Center will create good paying jobs right in our backyard,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we look at the realm of companies we hope move to central Illinois, those that will positively contribute to our society are at the top of the list – and that’s an attribute of EmberClear’s Lincoln Land Energy Center.”