Senate approves Johnson plan to allow Illinoisans to seek mental health care closer to home

• Mental health

SPRINGFIELD – To eliminate barriers to mental health care access for northern Illinoisans, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) advanced a plan out of the Senate Wednesday to allow Illinois residents to be treated for mental health disorders at the private facility that’s closest to them, even if it’s across the Wisconsin border.

“For many Northern Illinois residents, getting treated in Wisconsin could allow them to stay closer to their homes and families,” Johnson said. “People in our community already work in Wisconsin, patronize Wisconsin businesses and even have family there—it just makes sense that individuals should be able to receive care there, too.”

The legislation would create the Interstate Contracts for Mental Health Disorder Treatment Act, allowing Illinois and Wisconsin residents who are involuntarily admitted for inpatient treatment of a mental health disorder to be treated at private facilities across state lines.

For residents who live near the border of Illinois and Wisconsin, the closest qualified hospital or facility is often not in their home state. However, current law prohibits residents from being committed for mental health conditions outside the state, meaning that these residents must undergo treatment hours from family and loved ones.

Similar collaborative arrangements have been successfully enacted in Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota, which allow providers in these states to accept patients from Wisconsin for mental health treatment.

“Mental health treatment shouldn’t take you hours away from your loved ones,” Johnson said. “This legislation makes it easier for Illinois residents to receive care that fits their needs.”

Senate Bill 1966 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and now heads to the House.

Johnson: No verdict could truly restore George Floyd’s loss

• Criminal Justice Reform
• Illinois Legislative Black Caucus

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement in response to news that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty on all the counts he faced over the death of George Floyd:

“Over a year ago, George Floyd’s death spurred unrest across the nation. Today’s verdict offers some consolation that racism, bigotry and violence carry consequences.

“However, I am still not satisfied with this version of ‘justice’—no verdict could truly restore what has been lost. George Floyd’s daughter will still grow up without a father.

“In his memory, and in her honor, we will continue working toward true justice for all, building on the momentum of the activists that have laid the path for us, to create a better world for this generation and the next.”

Johnson invites high school and college students to apply for internship program

• In the district
• Students
• Apply Now

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is seeking motivated, community-minded high school and college students to serve in her district office as interns.

“I want to give young people a chance to make a difference in our community while gaining valuable experience working in government,” Johnson said. “If you’re an energetic, driven student who’s interested in public service, I encourage you to apply to be a part of our team.”

Interns would take on an active role in Johnson’s office, helping plan events, assisting with outreach to community organizations and local governments, and researching legislative initiatives. Interns will primarily work remotely, but may be asked to attend in-person events with the senator when conditions allow.

The position requires a minimum commitment of five hours per week from May to August, but scheduling is flexible. Johnson’s office will work with interns seeking college credit for the internship.

Johnson’s staff is hiring interns on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able. Applicants should email Priyanka Khanna at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a resume and a brief explanation of their interest in joining the 30^th District team.

Johnson announces summer infrastructure projects, urges motorists to drive carefully in work zones

• Capital projects
• Infrastructure

BUFFALO GROVE – Six projects valued at $43 million will improve roads, bridges and sidewalks across the East Lake County area, including four projects in the district State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) represents.

“Infrastructure improvements create jobs, spur economic growth, and allow residents, commuters and visitors in Lake County to travel safely,” Johnson said. “These investments will make all the difference for our region.”

This summer, motorists can expect the completion of a long-running construction project at the intersection of U.S. 41 (Skokie Highway) and Illinois 132 to remove and replace the Union Pacific Railroad bridge, reconstruct Grand Avenue, and widen the southbound U.S. 41 ramp.

Additionally, projects to resurface and install ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps on three roadways in the 30^th District are scheduled to begin this summer:

• U.S. 41 from Illinois 21 to Dorchester Avenue,
• Illinois 60 from Des Plaines River to Riverwoods Road, and
• Illinois 131 from Illinois 120 to Canadian National Railway.

Construction on these projects will be completed in the fall.

During this time, Johnson reminds drivers to be patient, allow extra time for travel, and drive cautiously in and around work zones.

“These projects are a victory for safety and mobility in our area, and they will continue to benefit our communities for years to come,” Johnson said. “Please take caution when driving in these areas over the next few months for your safety and the safety of our construction workers.”

The projects are made possible by Rebuild Illinois, a $33.2 billion program to invest in the state’s aging transportation system, create jobs and promote economic growth across Illinois.