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.

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.

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.

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – State Senators Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) and Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) will host a Health and Wellness Resource and Activity Fair to promote healthy practices and provide wellness activities Sunday, Oct. 24.

“The pandemic has forced disruptions in many aspects of our lives, which has caused people to prioritize their physical and mental health less,” Johnson said. “By attending our health fair, residents can learn ways to get back on track by eating better foods, finding new ways to stay active or having the opportunity to get their COVID-19 vaccine.”

Numerous vendors will be in attendance, providing educational resources to the community and offering yoga sessions, free packaged meals, COVID-19 vaccinations, and more. These vendors include Gurnee Park District, Lake County Health Department, NICASA Organization, NIRCO Organization, HSS Yoga and Wellness, Meridian Health, Illinois Department of Public Health, and North Chicago Fire Department.

The event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greenbelt Cultural Center (Woodland Hall), 1215 Green Bay Rd. in North Chicago.

People with questions can contact Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201.