BUFFALO GROVE – As daylight saving time ended this weekend, State Senator Adriane Johnson is reminding Illinois residents to test, inspect expiration dates, change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace any broken or expired devices.

In 2014-2018, the National Fire Protection Association reports almost three out of every five home fire deaths in the U.S. resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms.

“Fires can happen in the blink of an eye and result in abrupt, tragic loss,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Proper preparation can be pertinent to survival and fire prevention.”

A 2017 Illinois law requires ten-year sealed smoke alarms to be installed in all homes built before 1988 or that do not have hardwired smoke detectors by Jan1, 2023. Programs like “Be Alarmed!” provides ten-year, concealed battery smoke alarms to Illinois residents through their local fire departments and staff can aid with obtaining and installing these required alarms.

The program focuses on fire safety education and smoke alarm installation and is administered mutually through the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal “Be Alarmed!” emphasizes education for Illinois residents on the dangers of residential fires and how to prevent fires from occurring in the home. The program also offers demonstrations on how to properly install smoke alarms.

“Functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms have been proven to save lives,” said Johnson. “As winter approaches, now is the time to ensure that your CO and smoke alarms are operating properly.”

Learn more about the “Be Alarmed!” program visit here. 

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BUFFALO GROVE – In her efforts to support continued education and youth programs, State Senator Adriane Johnson was recently honored alongside State Rep. Rita Mayfield in advocating more than $2 million in grant funding for two YouthBuild Lake County programs.

YouthBuild Lake County in North Chicago and Youth Conservation Corps in Waukegan provide programs to assist youth ages 17-24 in further developing education and trade skills. The programs offer High School diploma attainment, career readiness and life skills support, and construction training.

“While the construction workforce expands in Illinois, it is imperative that diversity and representation is included in the process,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I want women and people of color to be encouraged to step into this career path knowing that YouthBuild is dedicated to ensuring that they have the tools they need to succeed.”

WAUKEGAN – To offer residents the opportunity to voice their opinions and work with her office to find solutions, State Senator Adriane Johnson is hosting a listening session at B.A.M. 4 the Mind in Waukegan.

“With the upcoming legislative session in November, it’s important for me to hear from our neighbors to know how I can best represent their interests in Springfield,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I’m calling on the members of our diverse community to join my office at this listening session to bring their concerns directly to us.”

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 at B.A.M. 4 the Mind, located at 801 S. McAlister Ave. in Waukegan.

Questions should be directed to Sen. Johnson’s office by calling 847-672-6201.

WAUKEGAN – To offer residents the opportunity to voice their opinions and work with her office to find solutions, State Senator Adriane Johnson is hosting a listening session at Mano A Mano in North Chicago.

“There’s a lot going on in our communities, and it’s important for me to hear from our neighbors to know how I can best represent their interests in Springfield,” said Johnson. “Our diverse, robust community is full of bright and intelligent people, and I’d love to hear from you all at the upcoming listening session.”

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Mano A Mano, located at 1801 Sheridan Rd., Suite 101 in North Chicago.

Questions should be directed to Sen. Johnson’s office by calling 847-672-6201. In addition, another listening session event is planned for Oct. 27 at BAM for the Mind in Waukegan. More details to follow.

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson is encouraging communities with economic challenges in the 30^th District to apply for assistance through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program. The program, which usually requires matching funds for projects, now offers complete assistance for distressed communities.

“Now is the time we utilize funding to rebuild local parks in our communities and provide our children and neighbors with safe and new attractions,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I am encouraging our park districts to take advantage of the opportunity by applying for this grant.”

In the district Johnson represents, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources highlighted North Chicago and Waukegan as economically disadvantaged communities.

WAUKEGAN – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by Senator Adriane Johnson, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of nearly $8 million in road and bridge improvement projects.

“For too long, our infrastructure has suffered from historic underinvestment, threatening the safety and security of our community,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “These funds will go toward revitalizing our roads, creating jobs and boosting growth in the area.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Johnson represents will see 20 infrastructure projects totaling more than $62 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area this year include:

• Lane reallocation on Route ILL 137 Sheridan Road from  11^th to 16^th Street in North Chicago
• Bridge replacement on Belvidere Street near CNW RR & ILL 137 in Waukegan
• Construction engineering on Belvidere Street near CNW RR & ILL 137 in Waukegan
• Construction engineering  on Lakeview Parkway  near Center Drive to Fairway in Vernon Hills
• Pavement improvements on Lakeview Parkway near Center Drive to Fairway in Vernon Hills

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“Good infrastructure is key to easier commutes, more tourism opportunities and enhanced economic activity, “Johnson said. “These projects won’t just make our commutes safer, they’ll bring jobs to the community to benefit families for years to come.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 30^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, removing millions of women the right to choose:

“Today’s decision is heartbreaking and a direct attack on women. The decision a woman makes about her body and reproductive health care is her own choice. We fought for this basic fundamental right and now our country is taking that away for millions of women of all ages.

WAUKEGAN – To ensure communities have a safe option to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Adriane Johnson supported a new Illinois law to create a statewide disposal program.

“Prescription drug abuse is dangerous and hurting families in every corner of our state,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This new law will protect our children and help prevent individuals from forming addictions by creating an option for community members to dispose of prescription drugs.”