BUFFALO GROVE — To show older adults in long-term care facilities that people are thinking about them, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is collecting store-bought or hand-made cards to donate for Valentine’s Day. 

“Older adults, especially those who may live far from family, need a chance to connect with others,” Johnson said. “One simple card can deliver so much power.”

Senator Johnson will collect cards at her district office from now until Feb. 10. The cards will then be donated to a number of long-term care facilities across the district she represents. 

People wishing to participate can drop off cards at an outside collection box or mail them to 100 S. Greenleaf St., Gurnee, IL 60031.

Senator Johnson reminds everyone to maintain social distancing and to wear a mask if choosing to deliver cards in person. 

BUFFALO GROVE — During her first week voting as a member of the General Assembly, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) was proud to support a number of measures to eliminate systemic racism in Illinois. 

“For far too long, Black men, women and children have endured racial disparities, inequalities and a system that judges us based on the color of our skin rather than who we are as people,” Johnson said. “The legislation we passed addresses these issues and creates a path toward a state that is inclusive to everyone.”

Johnson voted in support of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ criminal justice reform package, which, among other things, ends cash bail, bans the use of chokeholds and other extreme measures, and improves de-escalation and mental health training. 

She also supported a number of pieces of legislation that advance economic opportunities for people of color. They target banking and investment, gentrification, pay equity workers’ rights, and more.

“Minority workers in Illinois must be granted equality in the workforce and government contracting,” Johnson said. “Building a more diverse workforce benefits all people.”

Johnson also was a co-sponsor of the education pillar of the Illinois Black Caucus’ legislative agenda. It makes a number of changes to rid the state of systemic racism in schools, including creating an inclusive American history commission to reform the Black history curriculum and curriculums for teaching about other minority groups.

As one of the newest members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, Johnson hopes to bring her skills and experiences as a Black woman to the General Assembly to further work to end the racial divide. 

All bills are waiting final approval from the governor, who has previously publicized his support of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda. 

SPRINGFIELD – Following more than a century of systemic racism and inequality in schools across the state and nation, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) helped pass a measure that will expand resources to marginalized students and reform education policies that disproportionately harm minority students.

“For far too long, children have faced systemic racism and inequities within their school systems,” Johnson said. “We cannot undo more than a century of systemic racism within schools without a complete overhaul of education programs.”

House Bill 2170, the education pillar of the Illinois Black Caucus’ legislative agenda, does a number of things to rid the state of systemic racism in schools, including creating an inclusive American history curriculum to reform the Black history curriculum and curriculums for teaching about other minority groups.

It also creates a Whole Child Task Force to address trauma in children and create an equitable, inclusive, safe, and supportive environment for all children, in addition to working to increase minority teacher representation.

“Access to high quality education should be available for every student – no matter their ZIP code, socioeconomic background or the color of their skin. It’s so important for children to be in an environment where they see people who look like them and understand them,” Johnsons said. “Today is a monumental day – one that will give young boys and girls an opportunity to succeed and know they are worthy.”

The measure, co-sponsored by Senator Johnson, passed the Senate Monday. It now heads to the House for further consideration.

BUFFALO GROVE – During this Radon Action Month, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is urging people to test their homes for the harmful, radioactive gas while also educating their children about it.

“A simple home test can be the difference between life and death,” Johnson said. “No home should be considered safe – no matter how old it is. The only way to know if a family is at risk is by testing for radon levels.”

Radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the United States Surgeon General. In Illinois alone, 40% of tested homes had radon – particularly homes located in central and northern regions of the state.

Testing a home for radon is easy. Most hardware stores sell self-administered tests that will report the radon levels within a few days. If the levels are high, there are steps that can then be taken to lower them, including having a fan installed, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside.

To help bring further awareness, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the American Lung Association in Illinois are teaming up to host two statewide contests encouraging middle and high school students to use their creative talents while learning more about the harmful gas. The radon video contest asks Illinois high school students to create a 30-second commercial-style video, while the radon poster contest asks middle school students to create a poster to encourage people to test their homes.

“Many students are still learning from home, and this is a great activity to get their minds working, while helping their creativity flow,” Johnson said.

For more information about radon, people can visit www.radon.illinois.gov or call the radon hotline at 800-325-1245.