SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure Wednesday to enhance air quality in schools – ensuring better health outcomes for students.

“Many children suffer from asthma and allergies, which can be exacerbated by poor indoor air quality,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “By identifying solutions for quality air ventilation in schools, we are able to better assess how schools can remain a healthy environment for students and staff.”

House Bill 4903 would task the Illinois State Board of Education, in consultation with the Illinois Department of Public Health, to compile resources to assess air quality and maintain ventilation systems in schools. ISBE would implement outreach strategies to make these resources available to elementary and secondary schools.

“Establishing requirements for schools in regard to air quality monitoring is essential,” said Johnson. “This is a vital step toward promoting a healthy, safe, and conducive learning environment with benefits beyond academic performance.”

House Bill 4903 passed the Senate Wednesday and heads to the governor for final approval.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure to ensure students have the housing and resources they need to succeed.

“When students don’t have adequate shelter and transportation, it affects their learning ability,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Expanding the Education of Homeless Child and Youth State Grant Program will allow schools to better serve the individual and differing needs of their unhoused student populations.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to enhance air quality in schools – leading to better health outcomes for students.

“Minority groups and under resourced communities are disproportionately impacted by asthma, pollution and viral illness,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Schools should be a safe place – yet many are under-ventilated. It is necessary that we study the poor air quality in schools and identify solutions.”

House Bill 4903 would task the Illinois State Board of Education, in consultation with the Illinois Department of Public Health, to compile resources to assess air quality and maintain ventilation systems in schools. ISBE would implement outreach strategies to make these resources available to elementary and secondary schools.

“There are currently no requirements for schools in regard to air quality monitoring,” said Johnson. “Investing in air quality testing and proper ventilation in schools is essential for promoting health, well-being, and academic success for students and staff.”

House Bill 4903 passed the Senate Education Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure Tuesday to enhance student knowledge on climate control.

“Our youth are already engaged on the topic of climate change and are eager to learn more about the real solutions and how it impacts all aspects of society,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Learning opportunities should be available to students to further their understanding of potential solutions to the issues climate changes poses.”

House Bill 4895 would task public schools in Illinois with providing learning opportunities on the environmental and ecological impacts of climate change and solutions for addressing the crisis. Schools would be granted the flexibility to decide whether to create a separate class or implement these lessons into existing relevant classes.

“By implementing climate education into the curriculum, we are empowering students to become informed residents who can critically evaluate information, make sustainable choices and advocate for climate change in their communities,” said Johnson. “This is essential for fostering environmental literacy.”

House Bill 4895 passed the Senate Education Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.