Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – State Senator Doris Turner says she’s still hoping some measures that didn’t get final votes in the legislature during the spring session, will be in the fall.

That’s specifically ones to expand the Mid-Illinois Medical District, and in her eyes more importantly, to allow for the creation of a downtown tourism district, expanding the BOS Center and building a new hotel to go along with it.

“We are continuing to move forward,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I have had conversations with my colleagues in both the House and the Senate.  We feel confident that it’s going to get over the finish line.  We have not stopped working.  You will soon see a headquartered hotel and the expansion of the BOS Center.  I feel it in my bones.”

While State Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) has been one of the main sponsors of the measures, other Republicans, like State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) have still opposed it.  Some have pointed out that Coffee’s family owns a downtown restaurant and he allegedly stands to benefit from the expansion.  McClure has cited the debacle over the Wyndham Hotel in opposition.

“I will tell you that we are prepared — if it’s a special session, we’re prepared,” said Turner. “If it happens in (the fall) veto (session), we’re prepared.  Either way it goes, we’re prepared.”

There’s the possibility that a special session may be called to address the Chicago Bears in any attempt to keep them in Illinois, but no official announcements have been made. While the Bears have announced their intention to move forward with building a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, lawmakers still hold hope the Bears can be kept in Illinois.