BUFFALO GROVE – The Illinois Rental Payment Program is now open to tenants applying directly for rental assistance, and State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) hopes to help Illinois residents take advantage of the opportunity by hosting an informational webinar in partnership with the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

“We are winning the fight against COVID-19, but many individuals are still struggling to recover from job and income losses,” Johnson said. “The Illinois Rental Payment Program could help a family keep a roof over their heads, and it’s critical that we get the word out.”

The webinar will be held June 29 at 6 p.m., streamed live on Johnson’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/SenALJohnson. The event is open to all and does not require preregistration.

During the webinar, an official from the Illinois Housing Development Authority will provide a walkthrough of the application process, offer helpful tips and answer questions.

The Illinois Rental Payment Program is an emergency rental assistance program designed to support households in Illinois that are – or were – unable to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant can cover the past due rent from the previous 12 months and future rental assistance for the next three months, if deemed necessary, up to $25,000.

The application period for tenants applying directly for rental assistance runs from Monday, June 28 to Sunday, July 18.

For more information and to apply for the Illinois Rental Payment Program, tenants can visit IHDA.org/ILRPP or contact the IHDA call center at (866) 454-3571.

SPRINGFIELD – School districts can move forward from the pandemic without worrying about funding cuts due to temporary low enrollment under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“Our schools did an exceptional job helping our students learn through the COVID-19 pandemic,” Johnson said. “Now, as they prepare for a full return to the classroom, it’s critical they have all the resources they need to recover.”

Currently, the school funding formula uses average student enrollment over the previous three school years to determine the amount of money districts receive. To lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on schools’ budgets, Johnson’s law allows school districts to calculate their average student enrollment based on pre-COVID levels.

Under the measure, districts can use attendance records from the 2019-20 or the 2020-21 school year, whichever is greater, in their funding formulas to ensure they don’t lose out on crucial dollars as a result of the temporary drop in attendance some schools experienced during the pandemic.

“Thanks to our teachers and administrators, our kids stayed safe and engaged over the past year,” Johnson said. “This law ensures the hard work they put in doesn’t go unnoticed—and that they don’t miss out on the funding they rightfully deserve.”

Senate Bill 813, an initiative of Waukegan School District #60, takes effect immediately and will have an impact on school funding during fiscal years 2022-24.

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement in response to the sentencing of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

"As we work toward restoring the soul of our nation, we must reconcile the two justice systems in this country: The system that exists for white Americans, and the system that exists for people of color.

"Derek Chauvin's sentencing represents a critical moment in the centuries-long quest toward equality – it shows that everyone, no matter who they are, must be held accountable for their actions.

"May George Floyd's family, friends and community find peace and healing in today's decision."

BUFFALO GROVE – To encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 while they shop, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is sponsoring a free vaccination clinic during the 12^th Annual Vernon Township Community Garage Sale this Saturday.

The clinic is cosponsored by the Lake County Health Department, Doctors Test Centers and Vernon Township.

“The Community Garage Sale regularly brings out hundreds of residents to support the Vernon Township Food Pantry,” Johnson said. “This free clinic will give attendees another quick and easy way to help out their community: getting vaccinated.”

The clinic will be held Saturday, June 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Vernon Township Community Services Building, located at 2900 N. Main St. in Buffalo Grove. Residents age 12 and up can get vaccinated at the event, but young adults age 12-17 will need a parent or guardian present. Everyone who gets vaccinated will also receive a free one-day pass to Six Flags Great America.

All vaccinations are free, regardless of insurance or citizenship status.

The Vernon Township Community Garage Sale, which is open June 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., takes place at the Prairie View Metra Station, just blocks from the clinic. The event benefits the Vernon Township Food Pantry.

Those interested in receiving a vaccine at the June 26 clinic can register online at allvax.lakecohealth.org, but walk-ins are also welcome.

For more information, contact Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201.