Peoria Standard

Illinois state Sen. Sally Turner took to Facebook recently to reflect on the First Annual Back To School Bash, which took place Aug. 6 at the Full Gospel Evangelistic Center in Lincoln.

"First Annual Back To School Bash at Full Gospel Evangelistic Center, Lincoln, Il," Turner said in the post. "A hot day with lots of love for the community. Come get your school supplies until 2:00 pm today! Thank you for your service to others!"

In an Aug. 4 Facebook post, Turner had praise for the Bloomington Firefighters she met recently, saying, "I had a great time visiting with some of the Bloomington Firefighters earlier this week! Thank you for your dedication to protecting our community!"

The senator has had a busy past few months.

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce selected Turner the Outstanding Freshman of the Year as part of their biennial Champion of Free Enterprise awards. The award is presented to a freshman legislator in each chamber of the General Assembly who has made significant contributions to the defense of free enterprise and the advancement of economic opportunities in Illinois.

“I am humbled to be named the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Freshman of the Year’ for my commitment to supporting policies that strengthen our economy and create jobs,” Turner said in a recent news release from her office. “When I took office, I felt it was more critical than ever for our state to help its struggling small business community through the promotion of legislation that would produce stability and provide opportunities for growth. It is an honor to be recognized for these efforts on behalf of the residents of the 44th Senate District.”

Turner was initially elected to the Illinois Senate in 2021, the Senate said. A Republican, her legislative experience includes serving on the Ethics Committee and the Senate Higher Education Committee. She resides in Beason.