SPRINGFIELD – Better water quality is in the future for Lake Michigan, thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“We need to be doing all we can to protect our water quality, and this new law will continue to ensure our efforts in having a clean water supply,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Lake Michigan provides drinking water to millions of people in the state, so we will never stop our work in having safe, potable water.”

The law updates an existing provision to task the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) with regularly monitoring water quality from nearshores, harbors and public water supply intakes in Lake Michigan. The IEPA will also be required to provide an executive summary every two years on conditions of the lake’s water quality to the governor and General Assembly.

This update further aligns the state with the federal Clean Water Act and was included in a package initiative this spring session aimed at enhancing water quality.

“Ensuring the sustainability of Lake Michigan is critical for long-term planning and development in the state,” said Johnson. “Updating these protections supports sustainable growth in Illinois while also balancing economic, human and environmental needs.”

Senate Bill 3716 was signed into law Friday and is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to expand training on lights and sirens for ambulance drivers going through red lights upon emergencies.

“Investing in proper training will help save lives,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “As first responders work to protect one life, we must ensure other lives are not at risk.”
Johnson’s measure would provide extended training for first responders as it pertains to sirens and lights on emergency responding vehicles. Further, it would require ambulances going through a red light or stop sign to use both the sound and light warnings.

Johnson’s initiative stems from a tragic incident in the city of Waukegan where an ambulance, transporting a patient to a local hospital, ran a red light and struck a motorcycle driver. According to reports, the ambulance’s lights were on but sirens were not used.

“We must work as a collective to mitigate the risk of additional accidents when responding to emergencies,” Johnson said.

Senate Bill 1251 passed the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday and moves for further consideration before the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Adriane Johnson released the following statement after the sudden loss of State Senator Scott Bennett:

“Over the past few days it has been difficult to wrap my mind around the sudden passing of Senator Scott Bennett. My heart is heavy and my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children. Scott was such an encouraging individual and always willing to give insight.
“During our time in Springfield just a little over a week ago, we had an opportunity to speak briefly and he shared his passion for his family and his work. He was truly dedicated to the people of Illinois. His presence will greatly be missed.”

WAUKEGAN – To keep students engaged with books throughout the summer months, State Senator Adriane Johnson is launching a Summer Reading Club for children and young people who live in the 30th State Senate District.

“Reading during the summer is a fantastic way to keep children’s minds active during the break from class,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This program will help our youth make a habit of reading, find joy in books and prepare for upcoming classwork.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Senator Johnson’s office by Aug. 2. All students who complete the Summer Book Club will receive a certificate and be invited to a pizza party.