SPRINGFIELD – Public schools will recognize the historical and present-day contributions of Muslim Americans and those of other faiths in the state of Illinois under a new law sponsored by State Senate Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) that was signed into law on Thursday.

“It’s our responsibility to ensure all Illinoisans feel represented in this state,” Ellman said. “That begins by making sure students learn about people like them in school.”

SPRINGFIELD – Students of all religious and cultural backgrounds can observe their traditions safely under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) that permits students to avoid rigorous physical activity at school during periods of religious fasting.

“Physical education class is a great opportunity for kids to stay active during the day, but during periods of fasting, it can be difficult to feel energetic,” Johnson said. “This law protects students’ right to do what’s best for their own health and wellness.”

SPRINGFIELD – Health insurance companies use prior authorization on patients’ proposed treatments, meant to ensure they are medically necessary. However it often forces patients to wait too long for needed and appropriate treatments. House Bill 711, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) to ensure more timely approval, was signed into law by the governor on Thursday.

“It can be stressful for people requiring medical treatment, supplies and services to wait on approval for medical treatment, and these delays must end,” Holmes said. “For those with chronic or life-threatening conditions, it can be an ongoing battle for however long the treatment continues.”

LINCOLNSHIRE – Small businesses provide a space for people to come together and support their communities, inspiring State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) to host the August edition of her monthly Coffee & Connect outreach event at a locally owned Italian eatery.

The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 28 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Bontà Pizzeria & Restaurant, located at 430 Milwaukee Ave. in Lincolnshire.

“During a time when so many businesses are struggling, I want to put a spotlight on the shops and restaurants that make the 30^th District so vibrant,” Johnson said. “That’s why I chose to host Coffee & Connect at Bontà Pizzeria this month.”

BUFFALO GROVE – After months of hard work and two successful community events, the members of State Senator Adriane Johnson’s (D-Buffalo Grove) 2021 Youth Leadership Advisory Panel are heading back to school armed with new skills and experience in community service.

“I’m proud to see how much the students on my 2021 Youth Leadership Advisory Panel have grown in the short time they’ve been working with my office,” Johnson said. “I hope this experience has empowered them to continue their activism and even pursue careers in public service.”

In June, Johnson selected six local high school and college students to participate on the 2021 Youth Leadership Advisory Panel, which worked alongside Johnson’s district office staff for nine weeks to help put together youth-centered community events and amplify young voices in the Lake County area.

The panel successfully executed two events this summer, including a community cleanup day in Foss Park, which drew over 50 participants, and a Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable featuring input from religious and community leaders.

The panelists include:

• Maddie Wang – Rising junior, Adlai E. Stevenson High School
• Ellie Baden – Rising junior, Michigan State University
• Jason Mascarenhas – Rising sophomore, Adlai E. Stevenson High School
• Maeve Griffin – Rising sophomore, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Eliana Bernat – Rising senior, Vernon Hills High School
• Francys Munoz – Rising sophomore, Northeastern Illinois University

Wang, Baden and Mascarenhas served as co-chairs of the panel.

“The 30^th District team benefited greatly from the creativity and innovation our panelists brought to the table,” Johnson said. “After working with such brilliant and talented young people, I have even stronger hope for our community’s future.”

Johnson plans to continue the Youth Leadership Advisory Panel program in 2022. The application period will be announced next spring on her website: www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com.

PHOTO: State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) celebrated with her 2021 Youth Leadership Advisory Panel following the Gun Violence Awareness Roundtable the panel helped plan on Aug. 10. From left to right: Ellie Baden, Maddie Wang, Senator Johnson, Jason Mascarenhas and Maeve Griffin. Not pictured: Eliana Bernat and Francys Munoz.

ST. CHARLES – The City of St. Charles will receive over $8,000 in grant funding for historic preservation projects through the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) announced Wednesday.

“Families in the 25^th District have long been able to enjoy the rich history throughout the district, especially in St. Charles,” Villa said. “I’m eager to see the results of the architectural survey, and I hope we can add another historic district to our community.”

More than $131,400 in Certified Local Government grants will be distributed throughout Illinois for nine historic preservation projects that focus on surveys, public education, planning and nominations to the National Register of Historic Places.

St. Charles was awarded $8,262 in Federal Historic Preservation Funds, and the City of St. Charles will match $3,057 of that funding to conduct an intensive architectural survey in the Pottawatomie Neighborhood. The survey will identify and document the history and character of structures in the neighborhood for the potential establishment of a fourth historic district in the community.

Information on how to apply for the next round of Certified Local Government grants can be found here.

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging veterans and other job seekers to apply for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s seasonal snow-and-ice removal positions to keep streets clean during the winter months. 

“Winter maintenance crews are essential in keeping traffic moving and making sure people get to their destinations safely, whether that be commuting to work or traveling home for the holidays,” Bennett said. “This is a great opportunity for folks seeking employment during these challenging times, and it’s an especially excellent way for veterans to get their foot in the door.”

Through the department’s annual “snowbird” program, temporary snowplow drivers are hired every year on a full-time and on-call basis. To be considered, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license. A pre-employment physical, vision test, and drug and alcohol screening are also required. 

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience and qualifications. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Interested candidates can find additional information, including details on the application process, pay and the potential for benefits, here. Job postings will be made available the week of Aug. 23.

SPRINGFIELD – Agricultural sciences will now be added as a type of course that may be counted towards the requirement for three years of sciences in order to gain admission to an Illinois public university under a plan backed by State Senator Doris Turner’s (D-Springfield).

“This is simply an effort to highlight the importance of agricultural science,” said Turner. “It is my hope that students are encouraged to work and study in the field now that we’ve expanded our current curricula to include specialized sciences.”