Senators Bush, Johnson connect job seekers with more than a dozen hiring employers at virtual job expo

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LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – Job seekers had the opportunity to connect with 15 local companies and learn more about open positions, employee benefits and getting hired at a virtual job expo on Thursday hosted by State Senators Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

Johnson and Bush partnered with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the Job Center of Lake County to host the expo, which attracted 60 candidates.

“In a time of such great need, I’m grateful for the chance to connect those looking for work with diverse, long-term career opportunities,” Bush said. “And I am beyond thankful for the partnership of Senator Adriane Johnson, the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the Job Center of Lake County, and all the employers who participated. Our communities are in a much better place thanks to your leadership and support during this pandemic.”

During the three-hour event, companies from a range of employment sectors—including the Illinois Department of Public Health, FedEx Group and the Sherwin-Williams Company—explained their open positions and company benefits via Zoom.

All job openings discussed during the webinar are also posted on IllinoisJobLink.com.

“I want to thank the companies and candidates who participated in today’s event,” Johnson said. “I’m excited and hopeful that this event gave Lake County residents a leg up in the job search process—and I’m committed to supporting anyone looking to build a new and better life for themselves.”

Residents can find more information on participating organizations and other hiring employers by contacting Bush and Johnson’s offices:

• Senator Bush: (847) 548-5631 or http://senatormelindabush.com/contact
• Senator Johnson: (847) 672-6201 or https://www.senatoradrianejohnson.com/contact-us

The Job Center of Lake County is now open for limited appointments and continues to assist job seekers remotely. A full list of resources and upcoming workshops is available on their website, LakeCountyIL.gov/Jobs. Call (847) 377-3450 for assistance or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Johnson launches reading program to keep kids engaged over summer break

BUFFALO GROVE – To help kids build important literacy skills and make reading a lifelong habit, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is launching a summer reading club for children and young adults in the Lake County area.

“Books have the power to transport kids to a new and exciting world, and to help keep their minds active during summer break,” Johnson said. “The benefits of reading follow young learners for years.”

To join Johnson’s summer book club, students must read eight books of their choice, record the names of the books and return the form to Johnson’s office by Aug. 2. Everyone who completes the program will receive prizes and be invited to attend a pizza party hosted by Senator Johnson.

“Staying engaged is an important step toward bridging the achievement gap and preparing kids for the next school year,” Johnson said. “This program aims to keep young students learning when they’re not in the classroom.”

To participate, download and print the form here. Parents can also call Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201 to request a form by mail.

Johnson urges interested residents to call her office with any additional questions.

Johnson announces $2.5 million investment in local bike, walking paths

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BUFFALO GROVE – Lake County residents will be able to enjoy the outdoors more safely thanks to over $2.5 million in funding to improve local bike paths and sidewalks, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced.

“Walking and biking are great ways to get outside, stay healthy and enjoy time with friends and family,” Johnson said. “These investments will ensure residents can continue to enjoy our beautiful natural spaces for years to come.”

Residents of Lake County will see improvements to a number of area trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, including over $500,000 to advance the Route 60 Bicycle Path Connectivity Project and $2 million to complete Stage 4 of the Patriot Path, a 5.5-mile pedestrian and bicycle route along Route 137 between Libertyville and North Chicago.

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investments include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

“Our infrastructure plans must make travel safer not just for motorists, but walkers and cyclists too,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to see our community expand opportunities for greener transportation and recreation.”

Johnson hosts webinar to help Illinoisans apply for rental assistance

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BUFFALO GROVE – To help Illinois renters and landlords take advantage of up to $25,000 or 15 months in assistance through the Illinois Rental Payment Program, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is partnering with the Illinois Housing Development Authority to host an informational webinar via Facebook Live on June 10 at 6 p.m.

“The pandemic took a toll on working families, putting many Illinoisans at risk of homelessness or housing instability,” Johnson said. “This program could be a lifeline for the thousands of households that are still struggling.”

During the webinar, an official from the Illinois Housing Development Authority will provide a walkthrough of the application process, offer helpful tips and answer questions. The event will be streamed live on Johnson’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/SenAlJohnson.  

The Illinois Rental Payment Program is an emergency rental assistance program designed to support households in Illinois that are unable to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant can cover the past due rent from the previous 12 months and future rental assistance for the next three months, if deemed necessary, up to $25,000.

Landlords have until June 7 to initiate an application, and tenants will have until June 13 to complete their portion of the application. Alternatively, tenants can begin initiating applications June 28.

For more information and to apply for the Illinois Rental Payment Program, visit IHDA.org.