SPRINGFIELD – Senator Adriane Johnson was pleased the governor’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal included increased funding to tackle the homelessness epidemic.

“Homelessness is an extensive issue in all corners of our state,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Home Illinois is a vital program that ensures people are able to receive housing support and increased job opportunities to further prevent homelessness.”

HOME Illinois – a program that began last year under the Department of Human Services – targets the prevention of homelessness, provides crisis response, expands housing support and increases job opportunities for the homeless. The governor proposed $400 million for the program to bring forth a variety of housing options and opportunities to the unhoused population.

Johnson has long fought to address homelessness, leading measures to create plans to decrease it and provide greater housing stability.

“Homelessness disparities are often exacerbated in underserved communities – particularly for Black and Brown residents,” said Johnson. “Homelessness frequently creates other obstacles, like unemployment and health issues. It is time we adequately fund programs to decrease homelessness and uplift this often forgotten community.”

Over the coming months Johnson will work with her colleagues to negotiate a budget that prioritizes accessible and affordable housing.

NORTH CHICAGO – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement regarding the attempted murder of nine-year-old Damari Perry, who police say was brutally stabbed by his mother’s boyfriend, Demetrius Fisher:

“A child is now in critical condition with life-threatening injuries due to a heinous crime committed by a household member. That is beyond devastating. Every child deserves a safe home – a loving, caring place where they feel protected. The reality is, all throughout Illinois, children are silently fighting for their lives each day.

“It is imperative that we continue to advocate for and provide protections for our children. As the legislature meets this session, I vow to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of children and those who work to protect them.”

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement after the Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan lost its trauma center designation, causing people with serious injuries to have to be transported to hospitals more than 20 minutes away:

“The Waukegan community is facing a detrimental downturn in trauma-focused care with the revocation of Vista Medical Center’s trauma center designation. A lack of accessible, reliable, high-quality health care is already the reality for many, and the recent announcement will create even more damage for local residents. Simply put: Without proper intervention, lives will be lost.

“It is vital that we find the root cause of the issue at Vista Medical Center and create tangible solutions to ensure residents are safe. We also must consider the impact it has on employees who face grave uncertainty from if they have a job to if they’ll be paid.

“In the days and weeks to come, I will be working with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Vista Medical Center East and other local and state agencies to get to the bottom of the revocation and ensure our residents – both patients and employees alike – receive the care and assistance they deserve.”

BUFFALO GROVE – To ensure the voices of every generation are heard, State Senator Adriane Johnson is introducing a Youth Advisory Board and a Senior Advisory Board, which will be accepting applications through March 10.

“The purpose of these boards is to amplify the voices of people throughout the 30th District,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “My hope is that these groups will allow people to feel empowered to speak up, brainstorm solutions and ultimately build a better community.”

Members of each of Johnson’s advisory boards will meet monthly to discuss community issues that are important to them and how she can use her position as a senator to better serve both older and younger generations. The boards will be made up of seniors over the age of 55, and students from local high schools and colleges.

People interested in getting involved in state government and having their voice heard should apply for a position no later than March 10. This class of members will hold their positions until March 2025.

“Advisory boards are a great opportunity to have your voice heard and impact legislation,” said Johnson. “The best legislation is often inspired by intentional conversations within the community.”

Students interested in applying can visit https://forms.gle/qZ1uzHL2mspVMKx18.

Interested seniors are encouraged to visit https://forms.gle/NBX92YXtBxNSedxX8.

People can call Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201 with questions.