Senator Sally Turner Launches 2025 Outstanding Teacher Program in Honor of Teacher Appreciation Week
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, State Senator Sally Turner is once again honoring the incredible work of educators through her “2025 Outstanding Teacher of the 44th Senate District” program.
The initiative seeks to recognize teachers who have made a meaningful impact on their students and school community through dedication, innovation, and excellence in the classroom. Senator Turner encourages students, parents, colleagues, and community members to nominate deserving educators who go above and beyond.
Eligible nominees must currently teach at a grade school, middle school, or high school within the 44th Senate District. The winner(s) will be selected based on the quality of the nomination submitted, not the number of submissions received.
Nominations are open through May 31 and can be submitted online. The winner(s) will be notified during the summer. The selected teacher(s) will receive formal recognition from the Illinois State Senate, including an official certificate, a chance for special acknowledgment in Springfield, and a gift card in appreciation of their service.
Senator Sally Turner says that teachers often go unrecognized for the countless ways they support, inspire, and uplift their students, and this program gives us a chance to spotlight those everyday heroes.
For more information and to submit a nomination, please visit https://senatorsallyturner.com/state-senator-sally-turners-2025-outstanding-teacher-of-the-44th-senate-district/.
Legislation Targeting “Zombie Drug” Passes Senate
In an effort to address the growing threat of dangerous synthetic drugs in Illinois, the Senate has passed legislation to more strictly regulate xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer that is increasingly being found in the illicit drug supply.
Senate Bill 1773 amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance. The measure responds to a disturbing rise in overdose cases involving the drug, often referred to as the “zombie drug.” In addition to strengthening criminal penalties for the unlawful possession or distribution of xylazine, Senate Bill 1773 includes important protections for legitimate veterinary and wildlife use.
Data from the Illinois Department of Public Health shows that xylazine was detected in 45 overdose deaths in 2020 and in more than 200 deaths by 2022. While not approved for human use, xylazine is often used to enhance the effects of other drugs, making it especially dangerous, as naloxone will not address the impact of xylazine on breathing effects.
Senate Bill 1773 now moves to the House for consideration.
Pritzker’s Spending Surge Comes at Taxpayers’ Expense
At a time when Illinois families are cutting back to make ends meet, Democrats in Springfield are pushing a $6 billion tax hike to fund massive government expansion, including what would be the largest state budget in Illinois history.
Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed budget is nearly $15 billion larger than when he first took office. Now, Democrats want taxpayers to foot the bill through a series of new and expanded taxes, including hikes on digital advertising, capital gains, corporate income, and estates.
Illinois already carries the highest overall tax burden in the country. These new taxes would drive up consumer costs, discourage investment, and make it even harder for family-owned farms and businesses to survive.
Republicans are also sounding the alarm over plans to funnel some of the new revenue into expanding government benefits, including programs for individuals who are in the United States illegally.
While Democrats are pushing tax hikes, growing government, and prioritizing programs that hurt the very people they claim to represent, Senate Republicans are doubling down on their efforts to stand up for working families and fight for lower taxes, more opportunity, and a future where people can afford to stay in Illinois.
Legislation Advances to Help Farmers Address Deer Overpopulation
In response to widespread concerns from farmers about the costly damage caused by deer overpopulation, legislation aimed at streamlining the permit process for harvesting deer unanimously passed the Illinois Senate on May 1.
Senate Bill 710 would loosen regulations concerning nuisance permits and landowner permits by providing for the automatic issuance of additional antlerless-only permits during the regular firearm or archery season if a landowner demonstrates proof of harvesting certain percentages.
The bill also makes farmers and landowners who own or lease at least 40 acres of commercial farmland eligible to receive free deer and turkey permits to hunt on their property. These permits would include one either-sex and one antlerless-only permit for both firearm and archery deer seasons. Additionally, landowners with nuisance permits would be allowed to authorize others to hunt on their property to assist with deer removal efforts.
For landowners with 240 acres or more, the legislation would allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to issue one guest either-sex deer permit and one guest antlerless-only deer permit.
Senate Bill 710 now heads to the House for further consideration.
Fallen Officers, K9s Honored at Capitol
The Illinois Police Officer Memorial Ceremony took place on May 1 in the Capital City to honor the brave law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The day began with a squad car procession lining up at the Illinois State Fairgrounds at 6:30 a.m., followed by an interfaith church service at 9:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, less than a mile from the Illinois State Capitol. The formal memorial ceremony was held at the Illinois State Library, where officers, families, and officials paid tribute to the fallen heroes whose names will be added to the Illinois Police Memorial.
This ceremony was a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our law enforcement officers. State Senator Sally Turner says she and her Republican colleagues proudly stand behind police officers, honoring their service and the sacrifices they make to protect Illinois communities.
Nine fallen officers will have their names added to a monument in Springfield that honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. For the first time, the ceremony also included a tribute to K-9 partners who were killed in the line of duty.