Johnson declares March 2025 as Illinois Whole Child Month

• SR61
• Whole child month

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson adopted Senate Resolution 61, officially designating March 2025 as Illinois Whole Child Month. This initiative, led by the Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, emphasizes the importance of a whole child approach to education in the state.

“By recognizing March 2025 as Whole Child Month, we are amplifying the needs of children in and out of the classroom,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This is about creating a comprehensive support system that nurtures every aspect of a child’s growth and well-being.”

Senate Resolution 61 encourages parents, educators, and community members to celebrate Whole Child Month by embracing key tenets of the whole child approach: ensuring students are healthy and practice a healthy lifestyle, fostering a safe learning environment, encourage active engagement in learning and community, providing personalized support from caring adults, and challenge students academically to prepare them for career success and critical thinking in a global environment.

This initiative underscores the need to focus on the well-being and holistic development of students. Currently, the high school graduation rate in Illinois stands at 87%, while only 64% of high school seniors enroll in a college program within 12 months of graduation. By embracing a whole child approach, SR 61 aims to improve these statistics and better prepare students for future success.

"Adopting a whole child approach to education is essential in ensuring that our students are not only academically successful but also healthy, safe and supported," said Johnson. "Whole Child Month will serve as a reminder for us all to invest in the future of our children and communities."

Senate Resolution 61 was adopted Wednesday.

Johnson introduces bills to reduce food waste and methane emissions

• SB 1397
• SB 1398
• Food waste

SPRINGFIELD – In a landmark effort to tackle food waste and reduce methane emissions, State Senator Adriane Johnson outlined two measures at a press conference Wednesday that are part of Illinois first statewide framework for food scrap management and sustainable composting.

“By diverting edible food to feed people and food waste from landfills and into composting, we help build Illinois’ circular economy,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Creating an infrastructure for enhanced food recovery and food waste diversion, and opening markets for compost makes sense for everyone.”

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Johnson applauds continued investment in mental health and homelessness

• Budget Proposal

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the governor’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) issued the following statement:

“I’m encouraged by the governor’s ongoing commitment to financial stability while prioritizing our most vulnerable residents. By prioritizing behavioral health services, funding for crisis response programs, and

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Johnson advocates for fossil fuel divestment

• SB130
• Fossil Fuel Divestment Act

SPRINGFIELD – To advance environmental standards and promote greener energy, State Senator Adriane Johnson joined colleagues Wednesday to support the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, which would prohibit Illinois’ major retirement systems from making new investments in fossil fuel companies.

“By aligning our investments with the goals of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, Illinois is making a clear commitment to protecting our workers, communities and environment from the growing climate crisis,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The Fossil Fuel Divestment Act reflects our responsibility to both retirees and future generations.”

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