Metro East Sun

In an April 6 Facebook post, State Sen. Doris Turner (D-Decatur) shared information on meetings for the public to give input on the state's plans for digital equity.

"Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity wants to hear YOUR perspective on internet connectivity and digital learning to help shape the state’s plans for digital equity!" the senator posted. "I encourage Springfield and Decatur residents to attend the upcoming public meetings." 

The Illinois Broadband Lab is hosting a variety of information gathering sessions to find out what Illinois residents want for broadband access, and how they can work toward equity in access to that broadband access. The Illinois Office of Broadband (IOB) is launching a comprehensive local coordination effort to gather input for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity (DE) programs.

Turner posted information about open sessions in Decatur and Springfield. 

The Decatur session is scheduled for April 25 from 5 to 6 p.m., in the Illini Room at the University of Illinois Extension 3351 North President Howard Brown Boulevard. For more information or to RSVP click here.

The Springfield session is scheduled for April 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Library, L 326 South 7th Street Carnegie Room, North Springfield. For more information or to RSVP click here.

Turner was appointed to the Illinois Senate in 2021. A Democrat, her legislative experience includes serving on the Agriculture Committee and State Government Committee. Turner resides in Springfield.

"A recent retiree from the Illinois Department of Public Health after working 33 years for the State of Illinois with 22 of those with the Department of Public Health, she has spent her entire career working to enhance the lives of those around her and looks forward to continuing this work in the state Senate," her Senate biography says.