WAUKEGAN – In response to the uptick in violent crimes reported across Lake County, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement:

“In areas throughout the 30th District, gun violence is a life-shattering, yet prevalent, concern for many. With reports of shootings on a near daily basis, my heart is heavy for the families who suffer for the rest of their lives from losing a loved one due to a formidable tragedy.

“Our communities deserve better than this. To assist in this uphill battle, I helped secure $500,000 in state investments to support the Lake County State’s Attorney’s gun violence prevention pilot program as well as a combined $5 million for local governments and other community groups. I stand behind this effort to hire violence interrupters to help curb rising rates of reported crime specifically in Waukegan and North Chicago.

“I will work with local officials, community groups and affected families to reduce the gun violence epidemic and offer resources to at-risk youth.”

WAUKEGAN – State senators Adriane Johnson and Melinda Bush, State Rep. Rita Mayfield and Congressman Brad Schneider are inviting area residents to attend an upcoming Health and Wellness Fair in Waukegan.

“Overall wellness encourages the balance of physical activity, nutrition and mental stability to keep our bodies in their best, most productive condition,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I invite all area residents to visit the upcoming Health and Wellness Fair for direct access to community resources.”

The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 30 at the Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep campus in Waukegan, located at 3106 Belvidere Rd. A variety of providers will offer free services from noon to 4 p.m.

Scheduled partners include the Interprofessional Community Clinic at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, the Lake County Health Department, the Waukegan Park District, Middleton’s, the Illinois Department of Public Health, Waukegan Township, Lake Behavioral Hospital, Eden Restoration Project and Connect Waukegan.

For questions or additional information, contact Sen. Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201.

WAUKEGAN – With support from State Senator Adriane Johnson, the Illinois State Board of Education awarded eight local school districts with a combined $400,000 for infrastructure improvements.

“School facility quality is an important factor in teacher retention and student learning,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “When individuals are comfortable in their classroom, they are more successful. This state investment will directly contribute to an improved learning environment.”

WHO: State Senator Adriane Johnson, Mundelein High School Adult Education department

WHAT: Ceremony to recognize students’ achievements in the English Language Acquisition program

WHEN: Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 3 p.m.

WHERE: Ruprecht Company, 1301 Allanson Rd., Mundelein, IL

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson is partnering with the Mundelein High School Adult Education department to recognize the success of the English Language Acquisition pilot program and celebrate the adult students taking an active role in furthering their education.

“Individuals who prioritize the time to learn English while living, working and raising a family in America have better opportunities for job training and therefore, an improved quality of life,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The Mundelein High School Adult Education department is a blessing in our community, and this literacy program will continue to make a significant difference to immigrant families who call our area home.”

At the ceremony, adult students who have completed the first phase of English Language Acquisition will receive a monetary reward provided by Ruprecht Company. As a pilot program for Mundelein High School, officials hope to bring awareness to the effectiveness and sustainability of the program.

“To recognize these students’ accomplishments, we’re inviting members of the community and media to join in the celebration, hear their stories and learn the importance of this program,” Johnson said.

In collaboration with College of Lake County and the Job Center in Waukegan, the Mundelein High School Adult Education program offers students an opportunity to learn English proficiency to help them join the workforce or move to post-secondary education. The program serves 500 non-native English speakers yearly at 11 locations throughout Lake County with in-person and virtual classes. More information on the program is available on the Lake County Careers website.