WAUKEGAN – With support from State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove), 34 additional businesses in the 30th Senate District have been awarded $1.3 million in combined grants for pandemic-related recovery efforts.

“To offer support to some of our state’s hardest hit industries, this funding was awarded to a diverse, inclusive group of small business owners,” Johnson said. “The local Back to Business grant awardees allow business owners in Cook and Lake counties to retain employees, cover operating expenses and serve patrons effectively as our economy recovers from financial strains.”

The Back to Business grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far – thanks to strong support from Johnson – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

In the district Johnson represents, 56 businesses in total were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $175,000 to help them cover the costs of safely staying open through the ongoing pandemic . Businesses ranged from hotels to restaurants and more.

WAUKEGAN – Illinois families can avoid COVID-19 tax delays by getting a head start on filing tax returns. State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of the 17 day early start, beginning Jan. 24.

“With COVID-19 infections on the rise again, the IRS is warning Illinois families to file their taxes before things become challenging,” Johnson said. “Our communities have been faced with the unimaginable these last few years, so get a head start this new year and don’t be burdened by a missed opportunity.”

WAUKEGAN – To create and support construction pre-apprenticeship programs, YouthBuild Lake County in North Chicago will receive $250,000 in funds from the state, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced Tuesday.

“While there are financial benefits and high economic demands to work in construction, women and people of color are often underrepresented in the industry,” Johnson said. “This state funding creates new opportunities for residents in communities of color who want to pursue a job in construction or a career in other trades.”

YouthBuild Lake County was among 23 organizations statewide to receive funding for pre-apprenticeship training programs to increase diversity in the construction industry. A total of $9.6 million was awarded across Illinois.

Johnson speaks out on murder of six-year-old North Chicago boy

NORTH CHICAGO – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement regarding the death of six-year-old Damari Perry, who was brutally murdered by his mother and siblings.

“The loss of yet another young life to a heinous crime committed by a family member is beyond devastating. Every child’s home should be a safe space – a loving, caring place where they feel protected. Yet all throughout Illinois, children are silently fighting for their lives each day.

“We must continue to look after and provide protections for these vulnerable children. As the legislature meets this session, I vow to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of children and those who work to protect them.”

WAUKEGAN – In the spirit of the holiday season and in collaboration with the Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills, the Indian Trails Public Library in Buffalo Grove and the Waukegan Public Library, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) donated more than 400 books to students at St. Anastasia Catholic School in Waukegan.

“Children with access to quality books have a strong opportunity to improve their cognitive skills as well as literacy, social and emotional development,” Johnson said. “I’m grateful to the librarians at the Aspen Drive, Indian Trails and Waukegan public libraries who were kind, generous and more than willing to help my office collect books for local children in need.”

SPRINGFIELD – To adopt federal regulations for flying a flag at half-staff into the Illinois Code, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) advanced legislation out of the Senate Wednesday.

“As a symbol of respect or mourning, communities take notice of flags flown at half-staff,” Johnson said. “By adopting the federal law into our state code, we are working to ensure the process is unified and done appropriately.”

The initiative amends Illinois’ current Flag Display Act to outline the circumstances in which the United States flag should be flown at half-staff, the necessary procedures and time allotted. The Act states the flag could be lowered to half-staff to recognize Memorial Day, death of a government official, line-of-duty military deaths or other occurrences deemed honorary by the governor.

WAUKEGAN – To recognize her commitment to fire safety, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) was selected to receive a prestigious award from the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.

“When it comes to legislating fire safety initiatives, it’s critical to partner with our state’s professionals,” Johnson said. “It's an honor to be acknowledged by the Alliance for prioritizing fire prevention policies within Illinois to protect our communities from harm and destruction.”

The award was presented in front of more than 300 fire officials from across the state at the annual Prevention Week Luncheon.

Pictured left to right: Illinois Fire Safety Alliance President Chief Jim Kreher, Sen. Adriane Johnson and Government Affairs Director Margaret Vaughn. 

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of a comprehensive energy policy overhaul package, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) said it’s a sign Illinois is finally stepping up to protect the communities most vulnerable to pollution and climate change:

“We’re already seeing the catastrophic effects of climate change right here in Lake County: heat waves, more intense storms and rising water levels on Lake Michigan are threatening households across the community. Low-income neighborhoods and neighborhoods of color have borne the brunt of air and water pollution for decades, and their health has suffered.

“But thanks to Senate Bill 2408, our future looks brighter. Illinois now has a plan to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 in a way that protects jobs and creates new opportunities for Black and Brown Illinoisans looking to enter the green energy industry.

“Good energy policy is about people, not fossil fuel companies. I’m proud to support this groundbreaking green energy plan and help Illinois move forward into a better future.”