Johnson declares May 2026 as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

SPRINGFIELD – To highlight the struggles of individuals with allergies and asthma, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare May 2026 as Illinois Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

“Millions of children and adults live with asthma and allergies every day, yet these conditions are often overlooked or misunderstood,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Greater awareness leads to better support in schools, workplaces and communities.”

The resolution brings attention to the realities of asthma. Annually there are one million asthma related emergency room visits per year. Asthma claimed over 3,000 lives in 2023 in the United States. The total economic cost of asthma in the United States was $81.9 billion per year from 2008 to 2013, which is approximately $115 billion today when adjusted for inflation.

In addition to the resolution, Johnson is leading House Bill 4247, which would add practice fields and gyms to the list of secure locations that schools may maintain a supply of asthma medication and allows coaches and athletic trainers to administer that medication.

Approximately 21.8 million people in the United States have food allergies, including about 3.9 million children. Children with food allergies are two to four times more likely to have asthma or other allergic diseases. Over the past 20 years, food allergies have increased among children in the United States, with the greatest increase being seen in Black children.

“Raising awareness about asthma and allergies promotes preparedness and compassion,” Johnson said. “When communities understand these conditions, they are better equipped to respond to emergencies and improve quality of life for those affected.”

Senate Resolution 701 was adopted Wednesday.

Johnson leads legislation to increase notary applications

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson has advanced legislation that would allow individuals with felony convictions to apply to become a notary.

“Everyone deserves a chance to move on from the mistakes of their past,” Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “People are striving to do the best that they can and are precluded from advancing their careers and their lives from past actions.”

Under current law, individuals who have been convicted of a felony cannot apply to become a notary. House Bill 4277 would allow individuals who have completed all requirements of felony sentences to apply to become a notary so long as it has been 10 years since the completion of their sentence.

The measure would only allow the individual to apply for appointment and commission as a notary, it does not guarantee a position. The applicant must still go through the typical process involved in becoming a notary.

House Bill 4277 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

Johnson advances measure to protect civil rights

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen and preserve Illinois’ civil rights protections, State Senator Adriane Johnson has advanced legislation to better assess whether policies have discriminatory impacts within the Illinois Human Rights Act.

“Even well-meaning rules can reinforce inequality if we don’t examine their effects,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Evaluating the disparate impact of policies is important because discrimination is not always clear-cut. Sometimes unfairness hides in everyday rules and systems.”

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Johnson advances educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to remove barriers to education, employment and training for incarcerated individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, State Senator Adriane Johnson has advanced House Bill 1810.

“Everyone deserves access to education and job training, including those who are incarcerated,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This bill ensures individuals with disabilities are not unfairly excluded from opportunities that promote rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.”

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