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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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:

• 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.

BUFFALO GROVE – As part of her small business tour series to get to know local business owners and better understand their needs during the pandemic and beyond, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) paid a visit to North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks.

“Like many other businesses in our community, North Shore Distillery suffered economic setbacks as a result of the pandemic,” Johnson said. “But over the past year, they have shown impressive resilience and innovation to keep their doors open. I’m proud to have businesses like North Shore Distillery in the 30^th District.”

North Shore Distillery bills itself as Illinois’ original craft distillery, established in 2004 by Derek and Sonja Kassebaum, a husband-and-wife team who invested their life savings into the facility.

When the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on in-person gatherings, North Shore Distillery—which regularly hosted tours, classes and other events in its spacious bar and tasting room—took a hit.

Despite this hardship, North Shore Distillery pivoted at the onset of the pandemic to help support first responders, long-term care facilities and health care providers by becoming the first distillery in the country to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to produce alcohol-based hand sanitizer, addressing a dire nationwide shortage.

Thankfully, the business was eventually able to secure funding through the Paycheck Protection Program to help cope with pandemic-related losses. The Kassebaums say they hope to expand their seven-person team as COVID-19 restrictions loosen.

“Like the other outstanding small businesses I’ve had the privilege of visiting as part of my tour series, North Shore Distillery not only offers exceptional products and exciting experiences—they also serve the community,” Johnson said. “I encourage everyone to shop and dine local when possible to ensure these establishments can continue to enrich the 30^th District.”

Johnson encourages local business owners to sign up to participate in her tour series. To apply, visit SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/SmallBusinessTours. Once an application is received, a member of Johnson’s team will reach out with additional details.

With questions, contact Senator Johnson’s office at 847-623-3006 or by visiting SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/contact-us.

BUFFALO GROVE – To give people the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and get updates about what’s going on in Springfield, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is inviting residents to attend the first session of her monthly outreach event series, Coffee & Connect.

“The best part of being an elected official is getting to know the members of the community, but the pandemic has made it more difficult to connect with each other,” Johnson said. “Coffee & Connect will give us a chance to meet and chat safely about how we can work together to make our community even stronger.”

The first Coffee & Connect session will be held Saturday, April 17 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. To participate in the event, register to receive the Zoom link at www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/CoffeeConnect.

Each monthly Coffee & Connect will serve as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and the state.

The event is open to any resident of the 30^th District, which includes parts of Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, North Chicago, Wheeling, Gurnee, Park City, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods and Beach Park.

Johnson plans to host Coffee & Connect sessions on the third Saturday of each month. The events will be virtual at first, but may transition to in-person gatherings if conditions allow.

For information on future Coffee & Connect sessions and other upcoming events, visit www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com or connect with Senator Johnson on Facebook and Twitter.