SPRINGFIELD – Illinois could become a national leader on reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change under the new Energy Transition Act, which passed the Senate Wednesday with support from longtime environmental justice advocate State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“This legislation is an important first step in Illinois’ transition to clean energy,” Johnson said. “Investing in communities that have historically borne the brunt of climate change and putting safety nets in place for displaced power plant workers will help set the stage for a more equitable energy sector that puts people—not fossil fuel companies—first.”

The comprehensive energy plan would set Illinois on a path toward 50% renewable energy by 2040 and 100% renewable energy by 2050. Municipally owned coal- and natural gas-fired power plants would also have to reduce their carbon emissions to zero by 2045.

The measure would also create a number of support programs for workers and communities impacted by the transition to clean energy. New wind and solar installations across the state are expected to create thousands of jobs, and workforce development programs would help prepare the current energy workforce for long-term, good-paying careers in the green energy industry.

To empower neighborhoods that have been disproportionately harmed by pollution, the Energy Transition Act would carve out specific programs and incentives for low-income communities, communities of color and justice-involved people, ensuring more equitable access to the clean energy economy.

“Our work is far from over, but I am proud of the progress we made today,” Johnson said. “I look forward to continuing to work with advocates and community stakeholders toward a cleaner, greener Illinois.”

Senate Bill 18 passed the Senate Wednesday and now heads to the House for further consideration.

WAUKEGAN – To get to know local entrepreneurs and foster an inclusive and diverse local business community, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) paid a visit to Gordon’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop in Waukegan in celebration of National Black Business Month.

“Small businesses across the country suffered during the pandemic, but the recent successful opening of Gordon’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop is a testament to the resilience of the Waukegan community,” Johnson said. “It was a pleasure to get to know Greg and Hannah, and I look forward to visiting the shop for years to come.”

Greg Gordon and his wife Hannah Jackson opened Gordon’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop earlier this month on Genesee Street in downtown Waukegan. Jackson also recently opened Queen Hannah’s, a convenience store next door.

Gordon is a lifelong Lake County resident, 20-year businessman and former participant in the Eddie Washington Center program who is passionate about contributing to the community’s economic success. His goal is to grow his business and eventually open up another Gordon’s location in the Waukegan area.

Johnson visited Gordon’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop as part of her small business tour series. During August’s National Black Business Month, Johnson has prioritized touring Black-owned businesses and encourages others to recognize and support Black entrepreneurs.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted small businesses across the board, but particularly those owned by people of color—a survey earlier this year found more than half of Black-owned small businesses experienced at least a 50% decrease in revenue during the pandemic, whereas 37% of white business owners reported such significant losses. From February to April 2020, an estimated 41% of all Black-owned businesses in the U.S. closed their doors for good.

Like many small business owners, Gordon and Jackson are still struggling to hire staff and attract customers to their shop, but they hope to stay connected with Senator Johnson and the local chamber of commerce for support.

“After the pandemic, I’m especially sensitive to the needs of our small business community,” Johnson said. “I’m ready and willing to connect business owners with state assistance, community support systems and other resources to help their businesses recover, grow and succeed.”

Johnson encourages local business owners to sign up to participate in her tour series. To apply, visit SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/SmallBusinessTours. Once an application is received, a member of Johnson’s team will reach out with additional details.

With questions, contact Senator Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201 or by visiting SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/contact-us.

BUFFALO GROVE – Three area libraries will receive nearly $240,000 in grants to help expand services and offer new products to residents, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced Wednesday.

“In the increasingly digital world we live in, libraries can be a lifeline to students, job seekers, low-income families and more,” Johnson said. “By supporting their work, we’re building a bright future for our kids and our community.”

Three libraries in the 30^th District will receive a combined $239,992.83, part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more. 

“Public libraries offer more than just books. They host events, run summer programs and establish a sense of community,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to see this funding turn into even more opportunities for local kids and families to develop a love for literacy.”

The following libraries in the district Johnson represents will receive funds:

• Vernon Area Public Library District, $60,556.13
• North Chicago Public Library, $48,046.65
• Waukegan Public Library, $131,390.05

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois patients can follow their doctors’ recommendations without worrying about burdensome costs under a new law championed by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) to require insurance companies to cover medically necessary colonoscopies.

“Most people should get regular colonoscopies starting at age 45, but if you have a family history of colon cancer, your doctor may recommend screenings earlier,” Johnson said. “Deductibles and co-pays shouldn’t keep anyone from undergoing this potentially life-saving procedure.”

The law requires health insurance companies to cover the cost of a colonoscopy that has been deemed medically necessary after an initial screening. Patients cannot be charged a deductible, coinsurance, copayment or other cost-sharing requirement for the procedure.

In May, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force— the leading panel for medical guidance in the U.S.—published a statement lowering the recommended age to start screening for colorectal cancers from 50 to 45.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death for both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. However, if caught early, colorectal cancer has a 90% survival rate.

Not only can a colonoscopy screen for colorectal cancer—it is one of the only screening tests that can actually prevent colon cancer by finding and removing colon polyps before they become cancerous.

“The new official age recommendation allows more patients to rely on their insurance to cover colonoscopies, but this law takes it one step further,” Johnson said. “Affordable preventative care services are essential for patients of all ages.”

The legislation, originally House Bill 2653, was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.