SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement following the General Assembly’s passage of a balanced state budget for the upcoming fiscal year:

“In light of the pandemic-related challenges many Illinois businesses and residents still face, I fought hard to make sure our state budget included an increase in funding to maintain our social safety nets and expand the assistance programs that have been helping Illinoisans get by.

“Together, we’ve overcome unprecedented challenges over the past year. With this responsible, balanced budget as our foundation, Illinois and all its communities—including low-income residents, children, older adults and Illinoisans with disabilities—are on the path to a brighter future.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove), a member of the Senate Ethics Committee, issued the following statement Tuesday following the passage of Senate Bill 539, a measure to overhaul legislative ethics regulations in Illinois:

“The passage of this momentous legislation represents the realization of one of my key legislative priorities: Strengthening Illinois’ ethics laws to ensure ongoing compliance with the highest degree of integrity and credibility.

“My colleagues and I approached this massive undertaking with laser focus and steadfast dedication to transparency, accountability and truth. I am proud to stand alongside them as we take the first steps in a long process to restore the public’s trust in their elected officials.”

SPRINGFIELD – To allow individuals who have overcome addiction to put their pasts behind them and move forward, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) has sponsored a measure to prohibit life insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing rates solely because an individual has undergone treatment for substance abuse.

“It takes strength, perseverance and resolve to seek treatment for an addiction,” Johnson said. “Life insurance companies shouldn’t punish those who have chosen to change their lives for the better.”

Johnson’s plan would prohibit a life insurance company from denying or limiting coverage or charging higher rates based solely on whether an individual has participated in a substance use treatment or recovery support program more than five years prior to application.

Insurance companies would also be prohibited from discriminating based on whether the applicant has previously been prescribed an opioid antagonist such as Narcan or Naloxone.

“When an individual makes the decision to get help, they’re committing to a healthier future,” Johnson said. “That determination should be celebrated and rewarded.”

The legislation would not prohibit life insurance companies from making coverage decisions based on physical and mental conditions caused by substance abuse.

House Bill 33 passed the Senate Saturday with bipartisan support.

SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinoisans would have a better understanding of the state programs and resources available to them, even without easy access to the internet, under legislation proposed by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“I’ve spoken to countless older neighbors who don’t have a computer or smartphone, or who simply aren’t comfortable navigating the internet,” Johnson said. “When events and services went digital during the pandemic, these Illinoisans were overlooked. Moving forward, we have to ensure no one is left out of the loop.”

The measure would require recipients of home-delivered meals to receive an annual fact sheet developed by the Department on Aging with a current list of toll-free numbers to access information on various health conditions, elder abuse and programs for seniors. Recipients would also receive updates on any new programs for older adults.

About 12 million meals were delivered to over 144,000 older adults in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, when congregate dining sites were closed, according to the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging. The lack of in-person interaction during the pandemic interrupted traditional communication channels for many older adults, who as a result missed out on important service updates and opportunities.

“These fact sheets can be filed away, kept near the phone or hung on the fridge,” Johnson said. “Distributing resources in print makes it easier for older community members to keep toll-free phone numbers and other helpful information close at hand.”

House Bill 32 passed the Senate Saturday with bipartisan support.