WAUKEGAN – To provide input and improve the commerce relationship of Illinois agencies with minority-owned and women-owned businesses, State Senator Adriane Johnson was appointed to serve on the State Procurement Task Force.

“In the past, equity has not been prioritized in the state procurement process,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By assigning a task force to help strengthen the relationship of agencies with minority-owned and women-owned businesses, Illinois can work to create an inclusive commerce process throughout the state.”

The State Procurement Task Force will review Illinois’ procurement process and make recommendations to improve equity and efficiency, provide departments with more flexibility and increase minority-owned and women-owned business participation.

“I look forward to advocating on behalf of both minority-owned and women-owned businesses throughout the state to improve equity in Illinois’ procurement process,” Johnson said.

Under the task force’s guidelines, a report is due to the General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2024.

WAUKEGAN – To hear from constituents and connect residents with resources, State Senator Adriane Johnson will host an upcoming event at Coffee Break & Lunch in Waukegan.

The event is scheduled to take place at 224 Washington St. in Waukegan, this Saturday, June 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

“After a condensed legislative session, I’m excited to be back at home with my neighbors and invite them to chat with my office at a local business in downtown Waukegan,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

Coffee & Connect serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with Sen. Johnson about issues facing the region and state. The event is open to any resident of the 30th District, which includes parts of Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, North Chicago, Wheeling, Gurnee, Park City, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods and Beach Park.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to connect with constituents at Coffee Break & Lunch,” Johnson said. “If you want to discuss new legislation, state resources or another issue you care about, I hope to see you there.”

Residents interested in more information on future Coffee & Connect sessions and other upcoming events can visit www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com.

SPRINGFIELD – With support from State Senator Adriane Johnson, a new law aims to help medical professionals get more fentanyl test strips into the hands of individuals with opioid addictions.

“Expanding access to fentanyl test strips will save lives,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By removing barriers for health care workers with access to test strips, Illinois is taking responsible, proactive steps to address the opioid crisis and improve public safety.”

The new law expands the Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act of 2019. Previously, unauthorized medical professionals would be penalized for possessing a limited residual amount of a controlled substance as part of the drug testing process.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law in Illinois will make naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, more accessible, with strong support from State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“Naloxone is a life-saving medication,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The more accessible naloxone is, the better chance we have at saving someone from succumbing to their addiction.”

The new law will prohibit insurers and Medicaid from charging a copay for naloxone – an opioid suppressant. Naloxone can be lifesaving for people overdosing on opioids, but can often be inaccessible with a cost of up to $140 for two doses.