SPRINGFIELD – School districts can move forward from the pandemic without worrying about funding cuts due to temporary low enrollment under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“Our schools did an exceptional job helping our students learn through the COVID-19 pandemic,” Johnson said. “Now, as they prepare for a full return to the classroom, it’s critical they have all the resources they need to recover.”

Currently, the school funding formula uses average student enrollment over the previous three school years to determine the amount of money districts receive. To lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on schools’ budgets, Johnson’s law allows school districts to calculate their average student enrollment based on pre-COVID levels.

Under the measure, districts can use attendance records from the 2019-20 or the 2020-21 school year, whichever is greater, in their funding formulas to ensure they don’t lose out on crucial dollars as a result of the temporary drop in attendance some schools experienced during the pandemic.

“Thanks to our teachers and administrators, our kids stayed safe and engaged over the past year,” Johnson said. “This law ensures the hard work they put in doesn’t go unnoticed—and that they don’t miss out on the funding they rightfully deserve.”

Senate Bill 813, an initiative of Waukegan School District #60, takes effect immediately and will have an impact on school funding during fiscal years 2022-24.

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement in response to the sentencing of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

"As we work toward restoring the soul of our nation, we must reconcile the two justice systems in this country: The system that exists for white Americans, and the system that exists for people of color.

"Derek Chauvin's sentencing represents a critical moment in the centuries-long quest toward equality – it shows that everyone, no matter who they are, must be held accountable for their actions.

"May George Floyd's family, friends and community find peace and healing in today's decision."

BUFFALO GROVE – To encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 while they shop, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is sponsoring a free vaccination clinic during the 12^th Annual Vernon Township Community Garage Sale this Saturday.

The clinic is cosponsored by the Lake County Health Department, Doctors Test Centers and Vernon Township.

“The Community Garage Sale regularly brings out hundreds of residents to support the Vernon Township Food Pantry,” Johnson said. “This free clinic will give attendees another quick and easy way to help out their community: getting vaccinated.”

The clinic will be held Saturday, June 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Vernon Township Community Services Building, located at 2900 N. Main St. in Buffalo Grove. Residents age 12 and up can get vaccinated at the event, but young adults age 12-17 will need a parent or guardian present. Everyone who gets vaccinated will also receive a free one-day pass to Six Flags Great America.

All vaccinations are free, regardless of insurance or citizenship status.

The Vernon Township Community Garage Sale, which is open June 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., takes place at the Prairie View Metra Station, just blocks from the clinic. The event benefits the Vernon Township Food Pantry.

Those interested in receiving a vaccine at the June 26 clinic can register online at allvax.lakecohealth.org, but walk-ins are also welcome.

For more information, contact Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201.

BUFFALO GROVE – To give people the opportunity to ask questions, interact with their neighbors and get updates about what’s going on in Springfield, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is inviting residents to attend the first in-person session of her monthly outreach event series, Coffee & Connect.

“Due to the pandemic, many community events have gone virtual, and it’s been more difficult to get to know our neighbors,” Johnson said. “With more and more people getting vaccinated every day, I’m excited to be able to meet and chat with residents in person about their vision for our community’s future.”

The next Coffee & Connect session will be held Saturday, June 26 at 10 a.m. in the outdoor picnic shelter at Diamond Lake Sports Complex in Mundelein. Residents who are more comfortable participating virtually can sign up to join the meeting via Zoom at www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/CoffeeConnect.

Each monthly Coffee & Connect serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and the state.

The event is open to any resident of the 30^th District, which includes parts of Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, North Chicago, Wheeling, Gurnee, Park City, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods and Beach Park.

Residents interested in more information on future Coffee & Connect sessions and other upcoming events, visit www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com or connect with Senator Johnson on Facebook and Twitter.