BUFFALO GROVE – The Illinois Council on Women and Girls is now accepting applications and Senator Adriane Johnson is encouraging young women who want to be involved in the legislative process to apply.

“I encourage young women to lead and use their voices on the important matters of our state. I believe our youth play a vital role in the process of current and future legislation,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Participating on this council will enable young women to speak up about the concerns of their community while also providing them with the legislative knowledge to make a difference.”

The council is seeking diverse applicants with a variety of personal backgrounds to address policy issues that impact women and girls. Participants will discuss critical topics such as health care, academic and economic opportunities, and gender-based violence.

Individuals who are selected will serve a one year term, during which they will participate in bi-weekly meetings to plan events and projects. Beginning December 2022, there will be quarterly meetings with different Illinois committees.

“Illinois is filled with unique and diverse opportunities to help young people serve our communities,” said Johnson. “I am confident that the young women selected will provide insight and serve great purpose to the Illinois Council on Women and Girls.”

Applications are open for young women grades 9 through 12 and are due no later than Oct. 23. For more information and to apply click here.

WAUKEGAN – To offer residents the opportunity to voice their opinions and work with her office to find solutions, State Senator Adriane Johnson is hosting a listening session at B.A.M. 4 the Mind in Waukegan.

“With the upcoming legislative session in November, it’s important for me to hear from our neighbors to know how I can best represent their interests in Springfield,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I’m calling on the members of our diverse community to join my office at this listening session to bring their concerns directly to us.”

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 at B.A.M. 4 the Mind, located at 801 S. McAlister Ave. in Waukegan.

Questions should be directed to Sen. Johnson’s office by calling 847-672-6201.

BUFFALO GROVE – Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $600 in tax rebates in the coming weeks thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan, State Senator Adriane Johnson announced.

“Many Illinoisans have felt the aftermath of the pandemic in a plethora of ways, from providing for families, managing businesses, homes, and overall the general cost of living,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). I am happy to know the Illinois Family Relief Plan will help many get the financial help they need.”

Illinois Senate Bill 157, will provide millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates.

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per independent, with a maximum of three. 

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointing – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate – otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so. 

“As a state senator, I take pleasure in meeting the needs and concerns of those in my community,” said Johnson. “Receiving these tax rebates will further assist families in need and ensure that they have the support they need.”

For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see qualification criteria, visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.

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WAUKEGAN – Earlier this year, State Senator Adriane Johnson passed a law to allow local municipalities to adopt an ordinance to remove buckthorn, an invasive plant, from public and private spaces. To raise awareness, she is hosting a seminar at the Half Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills and inviting area residents to attend.

“Because it takes over large areas and harms habitats, invasive buckthorn can be detrimental to the health and future of our woodlands, parks and other recreational spaces,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Thanks to advocacy from a constituent, units of local government in Illinois can adopt an ordinance to remove buckthorn from public and private property.”

To learn about the new law and raise public awareness, State Senator Adriane Johnson is partnering with the Lake County Forest Preserves to host a seminar from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Half Day Forest Preserve, 24255 IL-21 in Vernon Hills.

Questions about the event should be directed to Sen. Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201.