SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to expand training on lights and sirens for ambulance drivers going through red lights during emergencies.

“Today we are one step closer to implementing changes that will protect the future safety of residents.” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with first responders and people in our community to enhance training for ambulance drivers.”

Johnson’s measure would provide extended training for first responders as it pertains to sirens and lights on emergency responding vehicles. Further, it would require ambulances going through a red light or stop sign to use both the sound and light warnings.

Donald Stallworth III’s life was taken when his motorcycle collided with an ambulance that was transporting a patient last May of 2022. The incident took in Waukegan at the intersection of Lake Street and South Genesee Street, which Johnson represents. The ambulance lights were on but sirens were not used.

“This tragedy cannot be a reoccurrence,” said Johnson. “I hope this added training and requirement will prevent something like this from happening again.”

Senate Bill 1251 passed the Senate and moves to the House for further consideration.

WAUKEGAN – The effects of PFAS – also known as “forever chemicals – are of high concern to the environment and people’s health, leading State Senator Adriane Johnson to champion a measure to mitigate its risk.

“These ‘forever chemicals’ are found in too many of our communities – causing both health and environmental issues,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must implement changes and develop policies to combat the risk of exposure.”

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made harsh chemicals manufactured for oil and water resistant properties. Many Illinois manufacturers utilize the production of PFAS, resulting in the risk of contaminating water supplies throughout the state. Johnson’s measure would require the Illinois EPA to use the most up-to-date federal guidance to control the discharge of PFAS. 

“These man-made chemicals pose a threat to the natural resources that we utilize daily,” said Johnson. “This measure will create a better process to eliminate the risk of exposure and improve our water sources.”

Senate Bill 1696 passed the Environmental and Conservation Committee on Thursday and heads to the Senate floor for further deliberation.

WAUKEGAN – With strong support from State Senator Adriane Johnson, Waukegan will receive $1,056,772 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help with the transition to clean energy. Waukegan is one of over 50 communities impacted by mine and fossil fuel retirements and are therefore eligible to receive state funding under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to invest in green energy.

“While moving to clean energy is the right thing for the planet, people who have made a career working in fossil fuel plants or mines can be adversely affected if they have no external support,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This investment will ensure people whose jobs are transitioning to clean energy have resources and opportunities to find new, well-paying jobs so there is no negative impact on their livelihoods.”

The $40 million program was designed to meet the needs of individual localities by addressing the economic and social impacts of plant closures. The funding can be used on a variety of initiatives and investments, including workforce initiatives, housing support, business attraction efforts and more. Recipients were selected by responding to a Notice of Funding Opportunity with a letter of support from the municipality or county where the plant or mine was located.

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure to expand cancer research.

“Almost every person knows someone who has been diagnosed or lost their life due to cancer,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must do everything in our power to provide better treatment, research, and services to help combat this illness.”

In Illinois alone, more that 74,000 new cases of cancer are estimated to be diagnosed this year. According to American Cancer Society more than 23,000 people are projected to die in 2023 with 5,000 as a result of lung and bronchus cancer. Johnson’s measure would expand research in order to answer specific questions about the safety of treatment, vaccines, therapy, medical devices and much more.

“We must expand our research so we can understand how to better treat this disease,” said Johnson. “Knowing how a disease effects people demographically and individually will help improve treatment and chances of survival.”

Senate Bill 1774 passed the Public Health Committee on Tuesday and will head to the Senate floor for further deliberation.