Johnson celebrates over $50,000 for local tourism industry

• Waukegan
• Grant
• Parks
• Local business

WAUKEGAN – Thanks to continuous support from State Senator Adriane Johnson, over $50,000 will be coming to Waukegan to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to drive along the historic Route 66.

“The history and attractions of Waukegan are rich,” said Johnson (D – Waukegan). “This investment in Waukegan tourism will not only attract visitors but help the local economy as well.”

Through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program, $2.9 million is being awarded to 51 grantees to support local tourism efforts. The City of Waukegan will receive $51,916 from the program, which is funded by a federal Economic Development Administration grant. The ultimate goal is to support promotional projects that increase visitation and overnight stays, thereby fueling the local economies across the state.

“I look forward to continue attracting tourists and sharing all that Waukegan has to offer,” Johnson said. “This is a win for visitors, small businesses and the community as a whole.”

To view a full list of Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program recipients, click here.

Johnson leads measure to provide youth in care timely treatment

• Health
• Mental health

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure to improve access to residential treatment for youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.

“It’s vital that we keep youth in care in need of residential treatment in Illinois,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must work to avoid out-of-state transfers or placements that can be disruptive to those with complex behavioral and mental health medical needs long term.”

Johnson’s measure would require the Department of Children and Family Services to develop a strategic plan to improve timely access to in-state residential treatment, evidence-based alternatives to treatment, and specialized foster care for youth in care with significant behavioral health needs.

“Youth in care of DCFS deserve timely care,” said Johnson. “It is our duty as a General Assembly to uplift and support the needs of these children who are far too often forgotten.”

House Bill 439 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and goes to the full Senate for further deliberation.

Senators enhance ambulance driving safety

• Waukegan
• safety

SPRINGFIELD – The life of Donald Stallworth, III was tragically taken too soon when an ambulance – which drove through a stop sign without its siren – struck his motorcycle. To honor his memory and ensure that no other person is injured or killed the way their son was, the parents of Mr. Stallworth stood alongside State Senator Adriane Johnson and her colleagues at a press conference Thursday to fight for change.

“The passing of this bill is very important to our family because our lives have been forever changed. We have experienced an unbelievable loss with the passing of DJ, due to such a tragic accident,” said Satrese Stallworth, Donald’s mother. “He was a beautiful, amazing, talented, and very respectful young man. We will never get to experience his greatness in this lifetime. We don’t want to see another family suffer a great loss and experience the pain we’re enduring. Pain that was inflicted upon us by the people who come to preserve and save life. This is why it’s important to incorporate this law and keep his legacy alive.”

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Johnson responds to Lake Michigan tragedy

• Waukegan
• Buffalo Grove

Waukegan – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement following the tragic loss of Seamus Gray, a Navy sailor who was found dead in Lake Michigan:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Seamus Gray. Our community sends its prayers, love and comfort to his family and friends.

“As a mother, my heart aches for their loss. I would like to thank our first responders and our community in their efforts to assist the family during this devastating time.”