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.

BUFFALO GROVE – Thanks to donations from generous residents of the district she represents, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) will give more than 40 coats and 200 hats to local organizations to help people stay warm this winter.

“Many of us take having winter coats, gloves and hats for granted – not realizing how many people go without each cold season,” Johnson said. “I am so grateful to the people across the district who generously donated jackets that will keep their neighbors warm.”

Senator Johnson held three temporary drop-off locations throughout the district: one in North Chicago, one in Vernon Hills and one in Waukegan. Members of the community donated enough coats to keep dozens of men, women and children of Lake County warm this winter.

When Lake County resident Pat Pertolanitz heard about Senator Johnson’s coat drive, she knew she wanted to help – but with a personal touch. Pertolanitz created and donated 200 hand-knitted hats.

“The generosity of Ms. Pertolanitz is unmatched,” Johnson said. “Not only was she willing to donate to our efforts, but she worked tirelessly to craft hats people will be able to use for years. I am beyond thankful for her kindness.”

The collected donations will be given to Vernon Hills Park District, the Urban Muslim Minority Alliance, Waukegan Township and the Lake County Sheriff's Office to then be distributed to local residents.

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is pleased more than 170 child care facilities in the district she represents were provided economic relief through a state program.

“Child care providers were forced to shut their doors earlier this year and have since seen less enrollment as some parents are still working from home,” Johnson said. “Child care facilities are essential to working families. I am pleased the legislature prioritized funding for these facilities in its most recent budget.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services distributed $270 million during two rounds of funding to support the economic health of child care providers after months of lost revenue. More than 170 programs in the district Johnson represents were awarded funds totaling $5,947,114.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services developed the grant program for licensed child care providers. The Child Care Restoration Grants was administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies.