Turner Highlights Reform Efforts, Fight to Provide More Opportunities to Community as Session Adjourns

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the adjournment of the 101st General Assembly for the 2019 spring legislative session, state Rep. Arthur Turner, D-Chicago, highlighted his legislative accomplishments and efforts to move the state of Illinois forward.  

“Four years of failed leadership under Bruce Rauner devastated our local community and state as a whole, but lawmakers from around the state came together this session and we have made real progress for true change in the state of Illinois,” said Turner.  “One of my top priorities as state Representative has been to instate a living wage for working families, and this year I proudly voted to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.  I also supported a Fair Tax plan that will provide tax relief to 97% of families across our state.”

Turner also continued his work on criminal justice reform and improving conditions for incarcerated individuals by passing legislation that will make it easier for them to find employment upon their release. Turner’s legislation, which received overwhelming bipartisan support in both the Illinois House and Senate, will require the Illinois Department of Corrections to give incarcerated individuals access to job searches and career building websites prior to their release date.

“It has been proven that immediate access to employment reduces recidivism,” continued Turner. “This legislation helps move our system a step forward towards true reform with a system that seeks rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals rather than retribution.”

Additionally, as a member of the Illinois House Revenue & Finance Committee, Turner has been instrumental in gaming expansion negotiations for the state of Illinois, which will help to bring additional funding to capital projects.

“As a member of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, I have made it a priority to work on plans to diversify the gaming industry, ensuring that black business owners and entrepreneurs have a chance to be a part of this venture,” said Turner.  “While there is much more work to be done to get Illinois back on track, I am proud to have been a part of these efforts to move our state and community forward.”

For more information, please contact Turner’s constituent service office at 773-277-4700 or arthurt@ilga.gov.