New Johnson law pays tribute to public servants, unifies half-staff flag protocols

SPRINGFIELD - Federal regulations for flying a flag at half-staff will soon be adopted into the Illinois Code, under a new law by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“As a symbol meant to pay tribute to the loss of life, communities notice when flags flown at half-staff,” Johnson said. “By adopting the federal law into our state code, Illinois is 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 appropriate amount of time. 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 residents who spent their lives advocating for the values the flag represents,” Johnson said. “By partnering with State Rep. Daniel Didech and local veterans, this law sends the important message that Illinois respects the individuals who served our country through military or public service.”

House Bill 3372 was signed by the governor Friday and is effective June 1, 2022.

Johnson to host public forum on Illinois’ Restore, Reinvest and Renew Grant Program

WAUKEGAN – To offer application assistance to interested residents, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is partnering with State Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan), Waukegan Township Supervisor Marc L. Jones, the Lt. Governor’s office and ICJIA to host an informational meeting on the state’s Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) Grant Program.

“The funds available through Illinois’ R3 grant programs aim to support communities that have been harmed by violence, excessive incarceration and economic disinvestment,” Johnson said. “By highlighting this program and making sure qualified organizations have the resources to apply, we are working to create stronger, more cohesive communities.”

The event will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 6 at Waukegan Township Park Place, 414 S. Lewis Ave., Waukegan. Masks are required for participation.

Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the technical changes in the R3 program, get information on the review period and timeframe for funding to be released.

The R3 grant program funds projects in disadvantaged communities in five main areas: civil legal aid, economic growth, reentry, violence prevention and youth development. Eligible communities were identified, in part, by their rates of firearm-related injuries, child poverty, unemployment and incarceration.

Organizations in highlighted areas on this map are eligible for funds through the R3 grant program.

Residents can RSVP by calling Johnson’s district office at 847-672-6201 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information on the grant program, visit the R3 website.

Johnson congratulates small business grant awardees, urges residents to shop locally for holiday season

WAUKEGAN – To recognize the efforts of small businesses, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is highlighting recipients of Back to Business grants and encouraging residents to shop local as the holiday season approaches.

“To receive financial assistance from the state, 22 locally-owned businesses were able to demonstrate loss from the pandemic,” Johnson said. “By offering support to small businesses, Illinois is working to strengthen our local economies.”

Awarded a combined $990,000, B2B grant recipients in the 30th Senate District include:

• B & B Promotions in Wheeling;
• Banyan Two in Lincolnshire;
• Chang’s Taekwondo in Wheeling;
• Elly’s Pancake House in Mundelein;
• Excel Photo Service in Wheeling;
• Lakehurst Events in Waukegan;
• Super 8 Motel in Mundelein;
• PC Custom Woodwork in Waukegan;
• C. Miller Events in Wheeling;
• Raima Rimkus in Wheeling;
• Dunkin’ Donuts in Vernon Hills;
• VNB in Buffalo Grove;
• Dunkin’ Donuts in Wheeling;
• Young’s Tips to Toes in Wheeling;
• The Taproom in Waukegan;
• AL-MAI in Waukegan;
• Green Town Tavern in Waukegan;
• Hank’s Cleaners in Waukegan;
• Independence Fishing Charters in Waukegan;
• Juan’s Chuck Wagon in Waukegan;
• Kenneth Cobbs Protography in North Chicago; and
• Tony Johnson in Waukegan.

The B2B program allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses hurt financially by the pandemic. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $150,000 and could be used to cover a wide range of operations, such as staff and overhead costs.

“Shopping, eating and thinking local will make a huge difference in our communities this holiday season,” Johnson said. “Visiting storefronts, purchasing gift cards, recommending a service to a friend or simply interacting on social media can offer support to our small business community.”

A full list of B2B grant awardees can be found on DCEO’s website.

Johnson initiative to update state half-staff flag protocols passes Senate

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.