Sangamon Sun

Legislation introduced by State Senator Sally Turner aimed at helping young farmers in Illinois has been signed into law. Senate Bill 2372 establishes the Farmland Transition Commission within the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The new commission will study the challenges that young farmers face, recommend policy solutions, and help facilitate the transition of farmland to individuals between the ages of 25 and 40.

Senator Sally Turner stated, "This law brings together policymakers, agricultural leaders, and young farmers to ensure the long-term success of farming in Illinois. By improving access to farmland, the state can help preserve family farms and secure the future of agriculture." Those interested in serving on the commission can apply through the Board and Commissions website.

A recent report from the Illinois Auditor General has found continued failures at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Of 34 findings in this year's audit, 29 were repeated issues from previous years. Lawmakers have raised concerns about DCFS's ability to address child abuse and neglect cases. The death of Mackenzi Felmlee, an 18-year-old known to DCFS, has renewed calls for reform.

State Senator Sally Turner commented on these findings: "These repeated failures are unacceptable and that it is time to implement meaningful reforms that hold leadership accountable and better protect children in the agency’s care." The full audit report is available online.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is opening a lottery for youth hunters wishing to participate in a managed deer hunt this fall. The drawing will be held August 26 for spots during youth firearm deer season scheduled for October 11–13 at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (JEPC) in Cass County and Sangamon County State Conservation Area. Applicants must mail their entry by August 25; selected participants may purchase permits starting August 5.

Youth hunters must be under age 18 as of opening day. Only designated open units are available for hunting; restricted areas remain closed. All participants need a valid permit plus either a youth or apprentice license or proof of hunter education completion. Youth using an apprentice or youth license must be accompanied by a non-hunting parent, guardian, or grandparent with a valid hunting license; others must be supervised by an adult with either a hunting license or FOID card.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has completed Phase 2 of its move to its new online licensing platform called CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). With this phase, another 25 types of licenses are now available through CORE—raising total availability to 95 license types online. Many previously required paper applications which caused delays.

Senator Sally Turner said, "The updated platform is part of a broader effort to modernize state services and reduce red tape." First-time applicants are encouraged to use CORE for their licensing needs.

Applications are now open for grants under IDOT’s Safe Routes to School program. This year $12 million in federal funds will support projects like sidewalks, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and public education campaigns statewide. Grants can award up to $250,000 each with priority given to schools serving low-income students or those with disabilities. Eligible groups include school districts, municipalities, nonprofits, and planning organizations; applications close October 13 with awards announced next spring.

As students return for the school year ahead, safety remains important both for children commuting by bus or bicycle as well as drivers near schools. The National Safety Council advises keeping distance from buses at stops; walking on sidewalks where possible; always wearing helmets while biking; limiting backpack weight; obeying school zone speed limits; never passing stopped buses; and staying alert around crosswalks.

Turner was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois’ 44th Senate District in 2021 after replacing Bill Brady (https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3236).

For more information on back-to-school safety tips visit National Safety Council’s Back to School Safety Tips page.