SPRINGFIELD – Following the Illinois Senate’s approval of the FY 23 budget and tax relief plan, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement:

“Today we passed a strong and responsible budget that keeps Illinois on good financial footing and puts money back into the pockets of hardworking taxpayers.”

“The plan we approved invests nearly $2 billion in financial relief for families and includes more than $200 million for public safety measures.  Increased crime rates are plaguing all corners of our state, and this budget provides assistance to curb the issue – from investments into community-based programs to providing funding for law enforcement to receive more training and tools.

“In order to level the playing field, opportunities must be provided to everyone. This plan works to create better conditions for community well-being and prioritizes recovery and safety efforts for our state.”

“Additionally, we included a $350 million investment into our student’s success. We must prepare today's students for the greatest academic outcomes. By providing every student with a quality education, and the materials they need, we can help students from all backgrounds learn and thrive.”

“I stand in proud support of the budget we passed today and remain committed to creating new opportunities for all who reside in our communities.”

WAUKEGAN – In the spirit of the holiday season and in collaboration with the Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills, the Indian Trails Public Library in Buffalo Grove and the Waukegan Public Library, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) donated more than 400 books to students at St. Anastasia Catholic School in Waukegan.

“Children with access to quality books have a strong opportunity to improve their cognitive skills as well as literacy, social and emotional development,” Johnson said. “I’m grateful to the librarians at the Aspen Drive, Indian Trails and Waukegan public libraries who were kind, generous and more than willing to help my office collect books for local children in need.” 

A St. Anastasia school official reached out to Johnson’s office requesting assistance to provide new books for the students. The three local libraries responded to the inquiry with a combined 400 books for students to use after the holiday break. 

SPRINGFIELD – To adopt federal regulations for flying a flag at half-staff into the Illinois Code, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) advanced legislation out of the Senate Wednesday.

“As a symbol of respect or mourning, communities take notice of flags flown at half-staff,” Johnson said. “By adopting the federal law into our state code, we are working to ensure the process is unified and done appropriately.”

The initiative amends Illinois’ current Flag Display Act to outline the circumstances in which the United States flag should be flown at half-staff, the necessary procedures and time allotted. The Act states the flag could be lowered to half-staff to recognize Memorial Day, death of a government official, line-of-duty military deaths or other occurrences deemed honorary by the governor.

“Flying the flag at half-staff is a meaningful gesture that honors the lives of fallen soldiers, first responders, and everyday Americans that gave their lives fighting for the values the flag represents,” said State Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove). “It is an honor to work with Sen. Johnson to champion this legislation and send the important message that Illinois respects the commitment, dedication, and lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

House Bill 3372 awaits further action by the governor.

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. — As the cold winter months begin and the COVID-19 pandemic continues, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) and State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) urged Gov. JB Pritzker to establish a new moratorium against utility shut-offs. 

“The high cost associated with electricity and gas bills during the winter months are already difficult for so many at-risk families — the addition of layoffs stemming from the ongoing public health crisis will make it even harder,” Morrison said. “No one should have to worry about how to keep their family safe and warm. A warm home is a basic human necessity that absolutely no one should have to go without.”

Johnson and Morrison, alongside other members of the Illinois Senate, sent Pritzker a letter Monday, urging him to establish a moratorium against utility shut-offs this winter. Although the Illinois Commerce Commission previously negotiated a voluntary moratorium with some companies — it’s not mandatory, nor have all companies signed on. The members of the Senate who sent the letter told the governor Illinois residents need assurances that they will continue to have heat, even if the pandemic causes them financial hardship. 

“Families are already coping with the stress of potentially becoming ill from COVID-19. We must alleviate further potential illness stemming from a lack of proper heat,” Johnson said. “We, as Illinoisans, must continue to be nationwide leaders who show that we will prioritize every person’s needs — regardless of financial background, race or ZIP code.” 

Morrison and Johnson urge Pritzker to immediately create a utility moratorium plan.