Johnson seeks to excuse students from PE class during religious fasting

• Health
• Education
• Students

SPRINGFIELD – As Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan—a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community—State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) wants to ensure kids of every background can take part in cultural traditions without risking their health.

“Fasting is a common practice not just in the Muslim religion, but also in Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and more,” Johnson said. “Especially for kids and teens, fasting can make people feel hungry, unfocused or even physically weak. It’s important that schools are sensitive to students’ needs when they might not be operating at full capacity.”

The legislation would allow students who are fasting for religious purposes to be excused from physical education activities for the duration of the religious fasting period, if the student’s parents have sent in written notification to the school principal.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset as a form of spiritual discipline. Jewish people traditionally observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, with a day-long fast and intensive prayer, and several Christian denominations practice full or partial fasting on certain occasions, including during Lent.

Fasting can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches and dehydration, which may lead to weakness or fainting, especially during exercise.

“This is about our children’s health, safety and well-being,” Johnson said. “Every child, regardless of their background, deserves to feel comfortable at school.”

House Bill 160 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday. The measure was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove).

Johnson applauds Lake County State Scholars

• Waukegan
• Education
• Buffalo Grove
• In the district
• Students

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) recently honored nearly 600 Lake County high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“Our community is beyond fortunate to have so many bright and hardworking students in our classrooms,” Johnson said. “Even in the face of so many unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, these students remained dedicated to success. I am thrilled to see them recognized on the state level for their perseverance.”

The Scholars from the 30^th District include 597 students from six area high schools, including Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Carmel High School, Cristo Rey St. Martin High School, Mundelein High School, Vernon Hills High School and Waukegan High School.

Recipients of the award will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC, and a Certificate of Achievement will be sent to their high school. State Scholars will also receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media, and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

“Being named an Illinois State Scholar is not only a testament to a student’s academic abilities, but to their work ethic and commitment to excellence,” Johnson said. “I want to thank each and every one of these students for making their families and communities proud.”

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.

Johnson advances plan to help more homeowners install solar panels

• Environment
• Solar energy

SPRINGFIELD – More Illinois residents could install solar panels on their homes without worrying about pushback from condominium and homeowner’s associations under a plan sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“Every Illinoisan deserves to be able to contribute to our community’s clean energy future,” Johnson said. “Solar panels are a greener, more affordable energy alternative that should be available to anyone who wants to install them.”

The legislation would expand the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Statement Act to prevent property owners’ associations from enacting policies that outright or effectively prohibit their members from installing solar energy systems on buildings under 60 feet in height that do not have a shared roof. Currently, the act only covers buildings under 30 feet in height.

Johnson’s initiative would also shorten the timeline for property owners’ associations to respond to solar energy system installation applications or requests for policy statements, helping reduce delays for individuals looking to install solar panels on their homes.

“We should be encouraging people to reduce their environmental footprint any way they can,” Johnson said. “If a homeowner wants to ‘go green’ by switching to solar energy, there’s no reason why they should be held back.”

Senate Bill 215 passed the Senate Friday and now heads to the House.

Johnson advances plan to require insurers to cover pancreatic cancer screenings

• Health
• Insurance

SPRINGFIELD – To encourage early detection and improve outcomes for Illinoisans with pancreatic cancer, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) spearheaded an initiative requiring health insurance plans to cover pancreatic cancer screenings.

“Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of the disease,” Johnson said. “Early detection could make all the difference—it’s critical that screening is accessible and affordable for every Illinoisan.”

The measure would require all Illinois health insurance providers to cover medically necessary pancreatic cancer screenings starting Jan. 1, 2022.

In 2021, an estimated 60,430 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. and 48,220 people will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal and back pain, weight loss, jaundice, and nausea or loss of appetite.

To reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, the Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

“One of the most effective steps we can take in the fight against pancreatic cancer is to raise awareness,” Johnson said. “Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and whether you should consider getting screened.”

Senate Bill 968 passed the Senate Friday with bipartisan support and now heads to the House.