WAUKEGAN – To help community members protect their personal information from con artists, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is hosting a community shred event on Saturday, July 24 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, located at 25 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Waukegan.

“When it comes to protecting yourself against fraud and identity theft, you can never be too careful,” Johnson said. “Documents with personal information like your address, banking information or social security number should be securely shredded to keep them safe from prying eyes.”

At this free community event, residents can securely dispose of any sensitive or confidential documents, like bank statements, paid utility bills and receipts. Electronics and other non-paper waste will not be accepted.

All participants are asked to contain documents for shredding in boxes or paper bags, placed in the trunk of their vehicle for safe, socially distanced removal by volunteers.

Johnson is hosting the event in partnership with State Representative Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan).

“After spring cleaning and tax season, you may be looking to dispose of sensitive personal documents,” Johnson said. “I encourage you to take advantage of this free and convenient opportunity to make sure your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

BUFFALO GROVE – In honor of National Park and Recreation Month, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is highlighting opportunities for outdoor fun at public parks and other natural spaces in the 30th District.

“Over the past year and a half, many residents have felt cooped up in their homes,” Johnson said. “With more and more people getting vaccinated every day, the time is now to get outside and enjoy the beautiful parks our community has to offer.”

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, parks play an important role in maintaining quality of life in a community. Parks provide gathering places for members of a community to interact with each other, host public events and offer recreational programs.

Additionally, parks provide a public place where people can go to keep healthy and fit. A Penn State University study showed that the length of visits to parks has a connection with reductions in stress, lowered blood pressure, and perceived physical health.

Parks also provide an economic benefit to their communities. A review by Texas A&M University found that parks and open space raise nearby property values and increase revenue from tourism. Trees and other growth are also estimated to save cities money in environmental impacts and the effects of storms.

“Getting outside can be good for the mind and soul,” Johnson said. “As a longtime advocate for parks and rec, I’m excited to celebrate Park and Recreation Month by supporting the state parks, public gardens and park districts that enrich our communities.”

Explore nearby public parks and outdoor events with the Lake County Summer Outdoor Guide.

BUFFALO GROVE – To make it even more convenient for residents to ask questions and get assistance with state services, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is hosting mobile office hours throughout the summer in locations across the 30^th District.

“One of the most important parts of public service is being accessible,” Johnson said. “Not every resident has the time or transportation to visit my office—so I’m bringing my office to them.”

The first mobile office hours event will be held Tuesday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Buffalo Grove Park District’s Alcott Center, located at 530 Bernard Drive.

For those who are unable to make the July 13 session, Johnson will also host evening office hours on Monday, July 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Vernon Hills Park District’s Sullivan Center, located at 635 N. Aspen Drive.

Johnson invites residents to stop by either event for help with unemployment cases and state services, or simply to discuss issues facing the community.

“Parents and residents who work long hours often find it difficult to schedule a visit during the workday,” Johnson said. “I want to offer everyone the opportunity to talk with me.”

Future mobile office hours events will be announced on Johnson’s Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as on her website, www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com.

Residents can also contact Johnson’s office for assistance at 847-672-6201 or www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/contact-us.

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – For the first time since 1998, Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded Illinois’ bond rating, potentially saving taxpayers millions of dollars, and State Senators Adriane Johnson and Julie Morrison say the improvement signals a stronger financial future for the state and its residents.

“Illinois has seen unprecedented hardship over the past year, but thanks to responsible budgeting and careful financial planning, we are seeing positive returns,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “For the first time in a long time, we are heading in the right direction.”

The upgrade is the first Moody’s has issued to Illinois since June 1998, and the second positive rating action for the state in a week, following an outlook improvement from Fitch.

Moody’s upgrade credited “material improvements,” with only “constrained use of federal aid,” including increased pension payments, repayment of federal borrowing and responsible maintenance of the bill backlog.

Illinois’ ratings on General Obligation bonds, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, and Build Illinois bonds were each upgraded and are now a step closer to the top rating.

The rating of a state’s bonds is a measure of their credit quality. A higher bond rating generally means the state can borrow at a lower interest rate, saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

“The work we’ve done to pass a responsible, balanced budget while continuing to prioritize the needs Illinoisans faced during the pandemic shows we’re on a path toward a brighter future,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “From repaying our emergency Federal Reserve borrowings ahead of schedule, to limiting the use of aid from the American Rescue Plan, we are back on the right track.”

The General Assembly has crafted two balanced budgets during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The budget for the upcoming fiscal year pays down state debts, fully funds pensions and keeps Illinois current on bill payments, significantly reducing the state’s structural budget deficit.