Johnson: Educators must care for their mental health

SPRINGFIELD – Teachers will now be able to take excused mental health absences thanks to a new law with support from State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“To address mental health as part of health care, we must ensure teachers have the ability to solve personal issues they are dealing with,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “It’s vital that we give them the time they need to unplug and focus on their mental well-being.”

Under the new law, previously Senate Bill 3914, the school board of each school district will be required to include mental health as part of their current negotiated sick days for full-time employees of the district. Teachers can use two of their days per school year as mental health days. If a teacher needs three or more mental health days, the school district will need a note from a mental health professional.

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Johnson: Residents with Alzheimer’s have unwavering support in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law by State Senator Adriane Johnson, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Services Act is permanently codified and will help ensure individuals receive the highest quality care.

“Residents living with Alzheimer’s have unwavering support in Illinois,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This law codifies our state’s advocacy and commitment to families affected by the disease.”

The Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Services Act protects consumers from false advertising claims and makes sure direct-support staff are trained to address issues of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.

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New Johnson law protects students with unpaid school balances

SPRINGFIELD – Students with unpaid school balances will have full access to their grades, transcripts or diplomas, under a new law championed by State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“Students are so much more than a set of credits,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “They are scholars and future contributors to our society, and we should do all we can to further their academic careers and not contribute to unnecessary burdens.”

Under previous law, grades, transcripts or diplomas could be held from students as a punishment for unpaid balances at the school.

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Johnson applauds local businesses as latest grant awardees

WAUKEGAN – An additional 23 locally-owned businesses in the 30th Senate District will receive a combined $715,000 from the Back to Business grant program thanks to support from State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“Businesses have begun moving forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are still some needing support to fully recover,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The Back to Business grant program has been vital to keeping doors open for thousands of small businesses across the state.”

In total, 124 small businesses in the 30th District have been awarded more than $5.3 million since the program started.

DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants – thanks to strong support from Senator Johnson – to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops and salons, and disproportionately impacted areas.

“Support is critical to the health of our small business community, and I encourage all able to do so to shop and dine locally,” Johnson said.

Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program.