Johnson: Budget is a win for all communities

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Illinois Senate’s approval of the FY 23 budget and tax relief plan, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement:

“Today we passed a strong and responsible budget that keeps Illinois on good financial footing and puts money back into the pockets of hardworking taxpayers.”

“The plan we approved invests nearly $2 billion in financial relief for families and includes more than $200 million for public safety measures.  Increased crime rates are plaguing all corners of our state, and this budget provides assistance to curb the issue – from investments into community-based programs to providing funding for law enforcement to receive more training and tools.

“In order to level the playing field, opportunities must be provided to everyone. This plan works to create better conditions for community well-being and prioritizes recovery and safety efforts for our state.”

“Additionally, we included a $350 million investment into our student’s success. We must prepare today's students for the greatest academic outcomes. By providing every student with a quality education, and the materials they need, we can help students from all backgrounds learn and thrive.”

“I stand in proud support of the budget we passed today and remain committed to creating new opportunities for all who reside in our communities.”

Johnson supports efforts to reduce crime in Illinois

 SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to reduce crime in Illinois, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) backed the Crime Reduction Task Force Act which works to establish recommendations to the General Assembly to better address the equity needs of local communities.

“Ensuring safety and security for all of Illinois’ residents is undoubtedly the highest obligation of government,” said Johnson. “This legislation looks to lean on not only law enforcement for the best approach, but seeks community and expert input as well.”

House Bill 4736 would create the Crime Reduction Task Force comprised of a bipartisan group including legislators, law enforcement, and legal and criminal justice professionals, as well as crime victims and witnesses. The task force would develop a plan of action to reduce crime across the state and report its findings to the General Assembly and the governor.

Additionally, the legislation would create a statewide anonymous tip hotline, a Violent Crime Witness Protection fund and Co-Responder Pilot Program for the police departments of East St. Louis, Peoria, Springfield and Waukegan.

“True public safety can be achieved if we properly collaborate with law enforcement and the community,” Johnson said. “We want to encourage individuals who witness crimes to feel safe when filing reports, but we must be sure to not put anyone’s safety in jeopardy.”

House Bill 4736 passed with bipartisan support and awaits the governor’s signature for final approval.

Johnson moves legislation to prohibit withholding transcripts for unpaid high school fees

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) moved legislation out of the Senate Education Committee to prohibit public high schools from withholding a student's grades, transcripts or diploma due to unpaid balances on a student’s account today.

“Students are so much more than a set of credits,” said State Senator Adriane Johnson. “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.”

Current law does not address withholding of grades, transcripts of diplomas for students for financial reasons whatsoever. The law only speaks to academic performance, established local goals and objectives, age, and other social reasons.

Under House Bill 4243, the prohibition would last for 3 years and would require school districts to catalogue and report the total amount of unpaid accounts due to the prohibition of withholding grades, transcripts, or diplomas to the Illinois State Board of Education.

“This is an equity issue and this practice almost exclusively affects low-income students,” said Johnson. “Plus, there is no real evidence that withholding a student’s transcript encourages parents to pay the bill.”

House Bill 4243 passed the Senate Education Committee and will be heard before the full Senate for further consideration.

Johnson announces more than $4.7 million in grant funding for local businesses

WAUKEGAN – Local businesses in Cook and Lake Counties were awarded more than $4.7 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove)

“Small businesses have continuously bounced back despite the issues in supply or other pandemic related burdens,” Johnson said. “Grant programs like Back to Business have been vital to keeping the doors open of thousands of small businesses across the state, and especially those in Lake County. I am proud to have supported this initiative in bringing additional resources to the area as our economy continues to recover.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

So far – thanks to strong support from Senator Johnsoon – DCEO has provided $200 million in B2B grants to small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas. With nearly $50 million left to go, more businesses will have the opportunity to get a share of the relief funds.  

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program or check the status of an existing application by logging into the portal.