Johnson supports initiative to increase funding for affordable housing program

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure equitable and affordable housing in Illinois, State Senator Adriane Johnson supported a measure to increase the Rental Housing Support Program’s budget.  

“In today’s climate many people are struggling to meet basic necessities such as monthly rent,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “It’s imperative that we funnel funding back into our communities through programs such as Illinois Rental Housing Support Program in order to better assist our neighbors in meeting those needs.

Since 2005, the Rental Housing Support Program has provided rental assistance to households by subsidizing rental apartments and homes. As a participant in this program, a family with limited economic resources only has to pay 30% of their rent when living in complexes who are partnered with RHSP, with RHSP paying the remainder to the landlord. RHSP paying the difference allows families to live in affordable homes and helps them from experiencing poverty. The increase in funding will ensure the continued success of this program.

In addition the measure also creates the Illinois Rental Housing Support Program Funding Allocation Task Force to study and provide solutions on the matter of the equitable distribution of rental housing support funds throughout the state.

“Working families and those on fixed incomes deserve to have affordable homes,” said Johnson. “I believe this will be an improvement and provide relief for many Illinois households.”

House Bill 3878 passed the Senate Friday and now heads to the governor for consideration.

Senator Johnson directs residents to IDOT’s winter road map

BUFFALO GROVE – In preparation for winter weather ahead, State Senator Adriane Johnson is reminding drivers to use the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.  

“The winter season can be extremely harsh, increasing the risk of poor road conditions and accidents,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “I want to ensure that drivers are safe and prepared for winter road conditions by utilizing resources from IDOT’s winter map.”

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on your computer and optimized for smartphones. The site includes the ability to identify and zoom in on a location, travel route or destination on a state map. The map is updated frequently through a cloud-based system to provide a general overview on IDOT-maintained highways

“During this busy time, many of you may be traveling for the holidays,” said Johnson. “I encourage you to get to your loved ones safely and visit the site to check road conditions prior to your commute.”

The road conditions map averages more than 2.5 million page views during snow-and-ice season, featuring a color scheme of pinks and blues to differentiate from the red, yellow and green of traffic congestion reporting, as well as to increase accessibility for those who have difficulty distinguishing colors.

For more information and to view the map, visit https://www.gettingaroundillinois.com/.

Senator Johnson: Senator Bennett will be greatly missed

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Adriane Johnson released the following statement after the sudden loss of State Senator Scott Bennett:

“Over the past few days it has been difficult to wrap my mind around the sudden passing of Senator Scott Bennett. My heart is heavy and my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children. Scott was such an encouraging individual and always willing to give insight.
“During our time in Springfield just a little over a week ago, we had an opportunity to speak briefly and he shared his passion for his family and his work. He was truly dedicated to the people of Illinois. His presence will greatly be missed.”

Senator Johnson to host a peace dinner at Patricia Jones Center Waukegan

WAUKEGAN - This holiday season, in order to create a more peaceful and cohesive environment, State Senator Adriane Johnson will be hosting a Peace Dinner to discuss concerns of violence and mental health in the community.

“The correlation between mental health and violence can be detrimental to the community if not addressed,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This is why I am hosting a Peace Dinner to raise awareness and ignite conversations that will impart change and healing throughout our community.”

The peace dinner will take place at 5:30-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Patricia Jones Center, 414 S. Lewis Ave. Waukegan, IL.

The Peace Dinner will focus on the intersectionality of mental health and violence in our community. Dinner and mental health resources will be provided.

“Your mental health is vital, and I am dedicated to giving our community what we deserve in my continued efforts to put an end to the threats of violence,” said Johnson. “I openly invite you to join the Peace Dinner, I look forward to seeing you there! “