Johnson: Radon check could save a life

BUFFALO GROVE – During this Radon Action Month, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is urging people to test their homes for the harmful, radioactive gas while also educating their children about it.

“A simple home test can be the difference between life and death,” Johnson said. “No home should be considered safe – no matter how old it is. The only way to know if a family is at risk is by testing for radon levels.”

Radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the United States Surgeon General. In Illinois alone, 40% of tested homes had radon – particularly homes located in central and northern regions of the state.

Testing a home for radon is easy. Most hardware stores sell self-administered tests that will report the radon levels within a few days. If the levels are high, there are steps that can then be taken to lower them, including having a fan installed, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside.

To help bring further awareness, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the American Lung Association in Illinois are teaming up to host two statewide contests encouraging middle and high school students to use their creative talents while learning more about the harmful gas. The radon video contest asks Illinois high school students to create a 30-second commercial-style video, while the radon poster contest asks middle school students to create a poster to encourage people to test their homes.

“Many students are still learning from home, and this is a great activity to get their minds working, while helping their creativity flow,” Johnson said.

For more information about radon, people can visit www.radon.illinois.gov or call the radon hotline at 800-325-1245.

Senator Johnson donates coats, hats with help from community

BUFFALO GROVE – Thanks to donations from generous residents of the district she represents, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) will give more than 40 coats and 200 hats to local organizations to help people stay warm this winter.

“Many of us take having winter coats, gloves and hats for granted – not realizing how many people go without each cold season,” Johnson said. “I am so grateful to the people across the district who generously donated jackets that will keep their neighbors warm.”

Senator Johnson held three temporary drop-off locations throughout the district: one in North Chicago, one in Vernon Hills and one in Waukegan. Members of the community donated enough coats to keep dozens of men, women and children of Lake County warm this winter.

When Lake County resident Pat Pertolanitz heard about Senator Johnson’s coat drive, she knew she wanted to help – but with a personal touch. Pertolanitz created and donated 200 hand-knitted hats.

“The generosity of Ms. Pertolanitz is unmatched,” Johnson said. “Not only was she willing to donate to our efforts, but she worked tirelessly to craft hats people will be able to use for years. I am beyond thankful for her kindness.”

The collected donations will be given to Vernon Hills Park District, the Urban Muslim Minority Alliance, Waukegan Township and the Lake County Sheriff's Office to then be distributed to local residents.

Johnson: State child care assistance given to 172 programs throughout district

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is pleased more than 170 child care facilities in the district she represents were provided economic relief through a state program.

“Child care providers were forced to shut their doors earlier this year and have since seen less enrollment as some parents are still working from home,” Johnson said. “Child care facilities are essential to working families. I am pleased the legislature prioritized funding for these facilities in its most recent budget.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services distributed $270 million during two rounds of funding to support the economic health of child care providers after months of lost revenue. More than 170 programs in the district Johnson represents were awarded funds totaling $5,947,114.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services developed the grant program for licensed child care providers. The Child Care Restoration Grants was administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies.

Senator Johnson hosts winter coat drive drop-offs

BUFFALO GROVE — As the colder months begin and more people are struggling financially due to the ongoing public health crisis, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is hosting a winter coat drive to help families in need stay warm.

“Winter coats can be quite expensive — especially for families who have multiple children,” Johnson said. “It’s getting cold, and there are many people who don't have coats – including some children who are wearing coats that don't properly fit them. Please help our community by donating new coats this year.”

To make it more convenient for people to donate, Senator Johnson will host a number of temporary drop-off locations throughout the district.

The dates and locations are as follows:

          - Sunday, Dec. 27 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Foss Park District, 1730 Lewis Ave, North Chicago           

          - Monday, Dec. 28 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills

          - Saturday, Jan. 2 from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., Lilac Cottage, 1911 North Sheridan Road, Waukegan

Senator Johnson’s office will be wearing masks and following COVID-19 protocols at each location. People who would like to donate can simply pull into the parking lot and hand the coats off through their car window.

Donated coats will be given to a number of non-profits and townships in need throughout the district.

Anyone with additional questions can contact Senator Johnson’s office at 847-672-4395 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..