BUFFALO GROVE – To support economic recovery during the pandemic, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced $550,000 in Back2Business grants for local businesses and encourages any others eligible to apply before the Oct. 13 deadline.

“Local small business owners are resilient, and I’m relieved to see many in our communities receive state support,” Johnson said. “This is a great first step toward recovery, and with more funds still up for grabs, I urge eligible local businesses to apply before the deadline.”

Earlier this week, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced nine businesses in the 30th District were awarded a combined $550,000 through the B2B grant program. A complete list of grantees is available on DCEO’s website.

“As our communities find ways to recover from pandemic-related losses, our small businesses need support,” Johnson said. “It’s critical for our state to continue to work toward providing economic stability to help ensure they have the resources to continue operations.”

The B2B program allocates $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 expenses, and grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis with a range of $5,000 to $150,000.

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply before the Oct. 13 deadline by visiting the DCEO website.

BUFFALO GROVE – To give families an opportunity to clean out unwanted items from their homes safely and efficiently, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is inviting residents to participate in her all-in-one waste collection event in Waukegan.

“When de-cluttering medicine cabinets, piles of paperwork and outdated computers, it’s important to discard items correctly to prevent harm to our community,” Johnson said. “A multiple item collection event will encourage residents to gather paper documents, expired medication and electronics to be safely disposed.”

In partnership with State Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan), Waukegan Township Supervisor Marc L. Jones, Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg and the city of Waukegan, Johnson is hosting an all-in-one waste collection event by providing shredding equipment, electronic recycling and safely disposing prescription medications.

Services will be provided at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, located at 25 S. MLK Dr. in Waukegan, on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Waukegan Public School District 60 will be assisting in the drop-off.

“With so many fantastic partners, this is a true community-wide event,” Johnson said. “By providing families with access to shredding equipment and other recycling, we are taking steps to promote a cleaner future within our region.”

Residents in need of additional information are encouraged to call Johnson’s Buffalo Grove office at 847-672-6201.

BUFFALO GROVE – After hosting a successful constituent outreach event at a Lincolnshire pizzeria last month, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) decided to hold the September edition of Coffee & Connect at a locally owned, all-in-one health food destination in Buffalo Grove.

The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 - 11 a.m. at Purple Sprout Conscious Organics, located at 364 Lexington Drive in Buffalo Grove.

“Hosting last month’s Coffee & Connect at a locally owned business was a huge success—it offered residents a convenient opportunity to chat with me, and it gave one of my favorite small businesses a boost,” Johnson said. “I’m hoping this month’s meeting at Purple Sprout is just as beneficial.”

Each monthly Coffee & Connect serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator about issues facing the region and state.

Purple Sprout Conscious Organics, owned by Irina Kuznetsova and her husband Karim Raimbekov, opened in 2015. The shop offers healthy snacks, home-delivered meals and holistic health coaching services.

At Coffee & Connect, participants can enjoy free coffee and fresh pastries, but Purple Sprout boasts an extensive menu of nutritious plant-based desserts for purchase, including cakes, muffins, chocolate and more. All products are made from scratch without refined sugar, grains or flours, and everything is vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free.

The event is open to any resident of the 30^th District, which includes parts of Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, North Chicago, Wheeling, Gurnee, Park City, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods and Beach Park.

Residents interested in more information on future Coffee & Connect sessions and other upcoming events can visit www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com or keep up with Senator Johnson on Facebook and Twitter.

“I’m thrilled to be able to connect with constituents at Purple Sprout, a one-of-a-kind business promoting healthy living in our community,” Johnson said. “If you want to discuss new legislation, state resources or another issue you care about, I hope to see you there.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of a comprehensive energy policy overhaul package, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) said it’s a sign Illinois is finally stepping up to protect the communities most vulnerable to pollution and climate change:

“We’re already seeing the catastrophic effects of climate change right here in Lake County: heat waves, more intense storms and rising water levels on Lake Michigan are threatening households across the community. Low-income neighborhoods and neighborhoods of color have borne the brunt of air and water pollution for decades, and their health has suffered.

“But thanks to Senate Bill 2408, our future looks brighter. Illinois now has a plan to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 in a way that protects jobs and creates new opportunities for Black and Brown Illinoisans looking to enter the green energy industry.

“Good energy policy is about people, not fossil fuel companies. I’m proud to support this groundbreaking green energy plan and help Illinois move forward into a better future.”