BUFFALO GROVE – To help Illinois renters and landlords take advantage of up to $25,000 or 15 months in assistance through the Illinois Rental Payment Program, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is partnering with the Illinois Housing Development Authority to host an informational webinar via Facebook Live on June 10 at 6 p.m.

“The pandemic took a toll on working families, putting many Illinoisans at risk of homelessness or housing instability,” Johnson said. “This program could be a lifeline for the thousands of households that are still struggling.”

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 event will be streamed live on Johnson’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/SenAlJohnson.  

The Illinois Rental Payment Program is an emergency rental assistance program designed to support households in Illinois that are 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.

Landlords have until June 7 to initiate an application, and tenants will have until June 13 to complete their portion of the application. Alternatively, tenants can begin initiating applications June 28.

For more information and to apply for the Illinois Rental Payment Program, visit IHDA.org.

BUFFALO GROVE – Following the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Gurnee native Ladarrius M. Cowart at Bowen Park in Waukegan early Sunday morning, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) offered her condolences and urged anyone with information to come forward:

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the unfortunate and tragic death of Ladarrius M. Cowart, a recent high school graduate with a promising future.

“Ladarrius was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he paid a terrible price. His story is a reminder of the importance of youth development and gun violence prevention programs to address the root cause of crime in our communities.

“If you have information that could help bring justice to Ladarrius’s family, I urge you to come forward immediately.”

Anyone with information on the shooting should call the Waukegan Police Department’s investigations division at (847) 360-9001.

PARK CITY – To make it quick and easy for community members to get vaccinated against COVID-19, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is sponsoring a “One & Done” vaccination clinic Saturday, June 12 from 9-11 a.m. at the Park City Public Works Building, located at 333 Teske Blvd. in Park City.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way we can defend ourselves, our families and our communities against this deadly virus,” Johnson said. “If you haven’t gotten your dose yet, now is the time.”

Up to 150 doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available at the event, which is free and open to any area resident age 18 and up.

To date, nearly 300 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control recommends anyone who is eligible gets the vaccine as soon as possible—fully vaccinated people can resume most activities without wearing a mask or practicing social distancing.

Those interested in receiving a vaccine at the upcoming clinic can register online at www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/VaccinateParkCity, but walk-ins are also welcome.

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

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement following the General Assembly’s passage of a balanced state budget for the upcoming fiscal year:

“In light of the pandemic-related challenges many Illinois businesses and residents still face, I fought hard to make sure our state budget included an increase in funding to maintain our social safety nets and expand the assistance programs that have been helping Illinoisans get by.

“Together, we’ve overcome unprecedented challenges over the past year. With this responsible, balanced budget as our foundation, Illinois and all its communities—including low-income residents, children, older adults and Illinoisans with disabilities—are on the path to a brighter future.”