SPRINGFIELD – Following the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of a comprehensive energy policy overhaul package, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) said it’s a sign Illinois is finally stepping up to protect the communities most vulnerable to pollution and climate change:

“We’re already seeing the catastrophic effects of climate change right here in Lake County: heat waves, more intense storms and rising water levels on Lake Michigan are threatening households across the community. Low-income neighborhoods and neighborhoods of color have borne the brunt of air and water pollution for decades, and their health has suffered.

“But thanks to Senate Bill 2408, our future looks brighter. Illinois now has a plan to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 in a way that protects jobs and creates new opportunities for Black and Brown Illinoisans looking to enter the green energy industry.

“Good energy policy is about people, not fossil fuel companies. I’m proud to support this groundbreaking green energy plan and help Illinois move forward into a better future.”

BUFFALO GROVE – As State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) looks ahead to the next legislative session, she is giving residents the chance to help shape her policy plans by filling out a new online survey.

“When I’m planning my legislative agenda, constituent input has the most significant influence on my priorities,” Johnson said. “I encourage residents to take a few minutes to fill out this survey and make their voices heard on a wide range of legislative issues.”

Topics covered in the survey include job growth and economic development, small business, infrastructure, and education.

“This survey isn’t the only opportunity for residents to give me their feedback,” Johnson said. “Call my office, attend an event or send me an email to share your ideas and concerns—I’m listening.”

Residents can complete the survey at www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/2021survey. To offer input on topics not included in the survey, residents are encouraged to contact Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201 or www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/contact-us.

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.