LITCHFIELD – The City of Litchfield will soon see $2 million in improvements at the industrial park development thanks to State Senator Doris Turner’s continued support of the state’s major multi-year infrastructure plan.

“Litchfield, in recent years, has grown to become a regional hub for business and development that has propelled the city to new prosperity,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I want to help continue the growth that will fuel Litchfield for years to come.”

SPRINGFIELD – Drivers across Illinois will benefit from a package of measures that aim to deter future car thefts and hijackings thanks to the support of State Senator Doris Turner.

According to a January report from CNN, cities around the country have seen an increase in the rate of carjackings.

“No one should ever have to fear if their car will be violently taken from them. But unfortunately the sad reality is more and more people are becoming victims of carjackings each day,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This has to stop. We must do all we can to combat this nationwide epidemic and alleviate the financial and emotional stress these crimes cause.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is celebrating the reappointment of Dr. Gina Lathan, a prominent Springfield native, to the Springfield High Speed Railroad Community Advisory Commission.

“Gina is a valued member of our community. Her voice is much needed on this commission,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I am happy to see her reappointment, and I know she will work to ensure the high speed rail program best represents the community.”

Lathan has over 25 years of experience as a senior administrator in the public sector and as an entrepreneur with expertise in public health, social justice and community capacity development. Lathan has served in several advisory roles on local and international travel and tourism committees and projects. Her learned experiences living close to the rails will provide a valuable voice for the community.

The Springfield High Speed Railroad Community Advisory Commission was created to help increase transparency for the community and ensure a diverse set of voices is heard from during this significant project. The greater high speed rail project in Illinois seeks to connect Chicago and St. Louis in just over two hours. Springfield to Chicago would take under 80 minutes.

“This project will revolutionize the city of Springfield and the surrounding communities,” Turner said. “Gina’s reappointment to the commission will ensure transparency for the entire project.”

The commission will continue their work through 2026.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) recently championed a law to provide financial incentives to physicians who perform medical services in rural areas.

“We must work to improve access to quality care in rural Illinois,” said Turner. “Passing this law means that people across the state will have increased access to high quality health care.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) championed a recently signed law to ensure unbanked communities can establish a more equitable opportunity for residents.

“There are millions of people around the country, who due to the barriers of account balances and minimum deposit requirements, do not have a reliable bank,” Turner said. “This law will allow for communities to take a stand and create the conditions that allow for a more equitable banking experience.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement on the appointment of Judge Lisa Holder White to the Illinois Supreme Court:

“I wanted to take time to congratulate Judge Lisa Holder White on her appointment to our state’s highest court. She is the first Black woman to ever serve on the Illinois Supreme Court, and I commend her on her years of hard work and commitment to equal justice under the law which led her to this momentous occasion.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) supports a newly signed law to increase police officer retention and recruitment across Illinois.

“This law gives police departments extra tools to recruit and retain quality officers to better protect and serve their communities,” said Turner. “We must work to ensure our communities have quality officers that have a clear path of advancement.”

Police departments across the nation have experienced a drop in officer retention, caused by a large hiring wave in the 1990s. Officers hired then are now at retirement age or just years away. House Bill 3863 creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to award grants to assist law enforcement agencies in hiring and retaining law enforcement officers.

"It’s time to make the necessary investments in our personnel and find ways to recruit the next generation of first responders,” Turner said. “This law shows our commitment to officers and our belief that quality officers make communities safer.”

HB 3863 was signed into law today and takes effect immediately.   

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Doris Turner announced the opening of a firearm assistance kiosk to be located in Springfield to help Central Illinoisans navigate legally obtaining and possessing firearms.

“Helping our communities engage in safe and responsible gun ownership is one critical way we can reduce the negative impacts of firearms in the state,” said Turner (D-Chicago). “By expanding ISP kiosk locations, we provide quicker access to the invaluable services they provide aimed at encouraging lawful firearm possession.”