SPRINGFIELD – Students of all religious and cultural backgrounds can observe their traditions safely under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) that permits students to avoid rigorous physical activity at school during periods of religious fasting.

“Physical education class is a great opportunity for kids to stay active during the day, but during periods of fasting, it can be difficult to feel energetic,” Johnson said. “This law protects students’ right to do what’s best for their own health and wellness.”

The legislation allows students who are fasting for religious purposes to be excused from physical education activities for the duration of the religious fasting period, if the student’s parents have sent in written notification to the school principal.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset as a form of spiritual discipline. Jewish people traditionally observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, with a day-long fast and intensive prayer, and several Christian denominations practice full or partial fasting on certain occasions, including during Lent.

Fasting can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches and dehydration, which may lead to weakness or fainting, especially during exercise.

“Running and playing sports isn’t just exhausting when you’re hungry—it can be dangerous,” Johnson said. “It’s important that kids are allowed to observe their religious traditions without risking their safety.”

The legislation, originally House Bill 160, was signed into law Thursday and takes effect immediately.

LINCOLNSHIRE – Small businesses provide a space for people to come together and support their communities, inspiring State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) to host the August edition of her monthly Coffee & Connect outreach event at a locally owned Italian eatery.

The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 28 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Bontà Pizzeria & Restaurant, located at 430 Milwaukee Ave. in Lincolnshire.

“During a time when so many businesses are struggling, I want to put a spotlight on the shops and restaurants that make the 30^th District so vibrant,” Johnson said. “That’s why I chose to host Coffee & Connect at Bontà Pizzeria this month.”

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

Bontà Pizzeria & Restaurant, owned by husband and wife duo Nunzio and Antonella Granito, recently celebrated its 10^th year in business.

At Coffee & Connect, participants can enjoy free coffee and fresh pastries, but the mom-and-pop restaurant also serves up authentic, homemade Italian specialties, including paninis, pastas, soups, salads, pizzas and calzones that will be available for purchase.

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 can visit www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com or connect with Senator Johnson on Facebook and Twitter.

“Small businesses are the heart of any community, and Bontà Pizzeria is the perfect example,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to talk with constituents about our community’s future—and maybe even introduce them to their new favorite restaurant.”

BUFFALO GROVE – After months of hard work and two successful community events, the members of State Senator Adriane Johnson’s (D-Buffalo Grove) 2021 Youth Leadership Advisory Panel are heading back to school armed with new skills and experience in community service.

State Senator Adriane Johnson celebrated with her 2021 Youth Leadership Advisory Panel following the Gun Violence Awareness Roundtable the panel helped plan on Aug. 10. From left to right: Ellie Baden, Maddie Wang, Senator Johnson, Jason Mascarenhas and Maeve Griffin. Not pictured: Eliana Bernat and Francys Munoz.“I’m proud to see how much the students on my 2021 Youth Leadership Advisory Panel have grown in the short time they’ve been working with my office,” Johnson said. “I hope this experience has empowered them to continue their activism and even pursue careers in public service.”

In June, Johnson selected six local high school and college students to participate on the 2021 Youth Leadership Advisory Panel, which worked alongside Johnson’s district office staff for nine weeks to help put together youth-centered community events and amplify young voices in the Lake County area.

The panel successfully executed two events this summer, including a community cleanup day in Foss Park, which drew over 50 participants, and a Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable featuring input from religious and community leaders.

The panelists include:

• Maddie Wang – Rising junior, Adlai E. Stevenson High School
• Ellie Baden – Rising junior, Michigan State University
• Jason Mascarenhas – Rising sophomore, Adlai E. Stevenson High School
• Maeve Griffin – Rising sophomore, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Eliana Bernat – Rising senior, Vernon Hills High School
• Francys Munoz – Rising sophomore, Northeastern Illinois University

Wang, Baden and Mascarenhas served as co-chairs of the panel.

“The 30^th District team benefited greatly from the creativity and innovation our panelists brought to the table,” Johnson said. “After working with such brilliant and talented young people, I have even stronger hope for our community’s future.”

Johnson plans to continue the Youth Leadership Advisory Panel program in 2022. The application period will be announced next spring on her website: www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com.

SPRINGFIELD – Northern Illinoisans will be able to access mental health care closer to their homes and families under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) establishing a collaborative agreement with private providers in Wisconsin.

“Previously, Illinois residents weren’t allowed to undergo court-ordered mental health treatment in Wisconsin—even if they traveled across state lines every day for work and to visit family,” Johnson said. “It simply doesn’t make sense to force people to seek mental health care hours from home when qualified facilities are close by.”

Johnson’s Interstate Contracts for Mental Health Disorder Treatment Act allows Illinois and Wisconsin residents who are involuntarily admitted for inpatient treatment of a mental health disorder to be treated at private facilities across state lines.

For residents who live near the border of Illinois and Wisconsin, the closest qualified hospital or facility is often not in their home state. However, current law prohibits residents from being committed for mental health conditions outside the state, meaning that these residents must undergo treatment hours from family and loved ones.

“This compassionate legislation will allow people experiencing a mental health crisis to receive treatment quickly, as well as closer to their homes and personal support systems, even if that means the facility is across state lines,” said State Representative Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan), who sponsored the measure in the House.

Similar collaborative arrangements have been successfully enacted in Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota, which allow providers in these states to accept patients from Wisconsin for mental health treatment.

“Staying connected with friends and loved ones is better for patients both during and after treatment,” Johnson said. “This law ensures every Illinois resident has convenient access to high-quality care.”

The legislation, originally Senate Bill 1966, was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.