SPRINGFIELD – Illinois homeowners can more quickly, easily and affordably remove racist language from their property deeds under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“Racial covenants have held back Black and Brown families for generations, and many residents may not even be aware that the language still lingers in their property deeds,” Johnson said. “Homeowners shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to strike such harmful and antiquated provisions from their property records.”

WAUKEGAN – To help community members protect their personal information from con artists, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is hosting a community shred event on Saturday, July 24 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, located at 25 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Waukegan.

“When it comes to protecting yourself against fraud and identity theft, you can never be too careful,” Johnson said. “Documents with personal information like your address, banking information or social security number should be securely shredded to keep them safe from prying eyes.”

At this free community event, residents can securely dispose of any sensitive or confidential documents, like bank statements, paid utility bills and receipts. Electronics and other non-paper waste will not be accepted.

All participants are asked to contain documents for shredding in boxes or paper bags, placed in the trunk of their vehicle for safe, socially distanced removal by volunteers.

Johnson is hosting the event in partnership with State Representative Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan).

“After spring cleaning and tax season, you may be looking to dispose of sensitive personal documents,” Johnson said. “I encourage you to take advantage of this free and convenient opportunity to make sure your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

BUFFALO GROVE – To make it even more convenient for residents to ask questions and get assistance with state services, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is hosting mobile office hours throughout the summer in locations across the 30^th District.

“One of the most important parts of public service is being accessible,” Johnson said. “Not every resident has the time or transportation to visit my office—so I’m bringing my office to them.”

The first mobile office hours event will be held Tuesday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Buffalo Grove Park District’s Alcott Center, located at 530 Bernard Drive.

For those who are unable to make the July 13 session, Johnson will also host evening office hours on Monday, July 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Vernon Hills Park District’s Sullivan Center, located at 635 N. Aspen Drive.

Johnson invites residents to stop by either event for help with unemployment cases and state services, or simply to discuss issues facing the community.

“Parents and residents who work long hours often find it difficult to schedule a visit during the workday,” Johnson said. “I want to offer everyone the opportunity to talk with me.”

Future mobile office hours events will be announced on Johnson’s Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as on her website, www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com.

Residents can also contact Johnson’s office for assistance at 847-672-6201 or www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/contact-us.

BUFFALO GROVE – The Illinois Rental Payment Program is now open to tenants applying directly for rental assistance, and State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) hopes to help Illinois residents take advantage of the opportunity by hosting an informational webinar in partnership with the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

“We are winning the fight against COVID-19, but many individuals are still struggling to recover from job and income losses,” Johnson said. “The Illinois Rental Payment Program could help a family keep a roof over their heads, and it’s critical that we get the word out.”

The webinar will be held June 29 at 6 p.m., streamed live on Johnson’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/SenALJohnson. The event is open to all and does not require preregistration.

SPRINGFIELD – School districts can move forward from the pandemic without worrying about funding cuts due to temporary low enrollment under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“Our schools did an exceptional job helping our students learn through the COVID-19 pandemic,” Johnson said. “Now, as they prepare for a full return to the classroom, it’s critical they have all the resources they need to recover.”

Currently, the school funding formula uses average student enrollment over the previous three school years to determine the amount of money districts receive. To lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on schools’ budgets, Johnson’s law allows school districts to calculate their average student enrollment based on pre-COVID levels.

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement in response to the sentencing of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

"As we work toward restoring the soul of our nation, we must reconcile the two justice systems in this country: The system that exists for white Americans, and the system that exists for people of color.

"Derek Chauvin's sentencing represents a critical moment in the centuries-long quest toward equality – it shows that everyone, no matter who they are, must be held accountable for their actions.

"May George Floyd's family, friends and community find peace and healing in today's decision."

BUFFALO GROVE – To encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 while they shop, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is sponsoring a free vaccination clinic during the 12^th Annual Vernon Township Community Garage Sale this Saturday.

The clinic is cosponsored by the Lake County Health Department, Doctors Test Centers and Vernon Township.

“The Community Garage Sale regularly brings out hundreds of residents to support the Vernon Township Food Pantry,” Johnson said. “This free clinic will give attendees another quick and easy way to help out their community: getting vaccinated.”

The clinic will be held Saturday, June 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Vernon Township Community Services Building, located at 2900 N. Main St. in Buffalo Grove. Residents age 12 and up can get vaccinated at the event, but young adults age 12-17 will need a parent or guardian present. Everyone who gets vaccinated will also receive a free one-day pass to Six Flags Great America.

All vaccinations are free, regardless of insurance or citizenship status.

The Vernon Township Community Garage Sale, which is open June 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., takes place at the Prairie View Metra Station, just blocks from the clinic. The event benefits the Vernon Township Food Pantry.

Those interested in receiving a vaccine at the June 26 clinic can register online at allvax.lakecohealth.org, but walk-ins are also welcome.

For more information, contact Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201.

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

“Due to the pandemic, many community events have gone virtual, and it’s been more difficult to get to know our neighbors,” Johnson said. “With more and more people getting vaccinated every day, I’m excited to be able to meet and chat with residents in person about their vision for our community’s future.”

The next Coffee & Connect session will be held Saturday, June 26 at 10 a.m. in the outdoor picnic shelter at Diamond Lake Sports Complex in Mundelein. Residents who are more comfortable participating virtually can sign up to join the meeting via Zoom at www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/CoffeeConnect.

Each monthly Coffee & Connect serves 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.

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