WAUKEGAN – Illinois families can avoid COVID-19 tax delays by getting a head start on filing tax returns. State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of the 17 day early start, beginning Jan. 24.

“With COVID-19 infections on the rise again, the IRS is warning Illinois families to file their taxes before things become challenging,” Johnson said. “Our communities have been faced with the unimaginable these last few years, so get a head start this new year and don’t be burdened by a missed opportunity.”

The deadline for filling individual tax returns is Monday, April 18. This is three days later than past years. April 18 is also the deadline for filling extension requests, which gives tax payers until Oct. 17 to file tax returns if accepted.

The IRS has given the following tips to avoid minimized tax returns and delays:

• Avoid filing a paper tax return. This, along with receiving refunds via direct deposit, will be more important this year to avoid processing delays.
• Report COVID-19 Economic Impact and advance Child Tax Credit payments. Taxpayers who received these payments must report them correctly on their tax returns to avoid delays. The IRS will send letters to receivers of the payments, but taxpayers can also check for the amounts at IRS.gov.

“I understand filling taxes can be a headache, but take advantage of Certified Public Accountants for assistance this tax season,” Johnson said. “I hope these tips will make the process easier for the community to reach the deadline for filling taxes and receive tax returns before delays occur.”

The IRS expects taxpayers to receive refunds within 21 days of filling.

WAUKEGAN – To create and support construction pre-apprenticeship programs, YouthBuild Lake County in North Chicago will receive $250,000 in funds from the state, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced Tuesday.

“While there are financial benefits and high economic demands to work in construction, women and people of color are often underrepresented in the industry,” Johnson said. “This state funding creates new opportunities for residents in communities of color who want to pursue a job in construction or a career in other trades.”

YouthBuild Lake County was among 23 organizations statewide to receive funding for pre-apprenticeship training programs to increase diversity in the construction industry. A total of $9.6 million was awarded across Illinois.

The program, funded by the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act as part of Rebuild Illinois, aims to open doors to career opportunities in the construction and building trades, including those who have been historically underrepresented in this industry. Through this innovative model, the grantees will offer structured pathways to help graduates transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship program in construction and building trades.

Visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website for more information on Illinois Works.

NORTH CHICAGO – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement regarding the death of six-year-old Damari Perry, who was brutally murdered by his mother and siblings.

“The loss of yet another young life to a heinous crime committed by a family member is beyond devastating. Every child’s home should be a safe space – a loving, caring place where they feel protected. Yet all throughout Illinois, children are silently fighting for their lives each day.

“We must continue to look after and provide protections for these vulnerable 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 - Homeowners in Illinois can more quickly, easily and affordably remove racist language from their property deeds under a new law by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“Although racial restrictive covenants are no longer enforceable, residents have been forced to jump through hoops to strike the harmful and antiquated provisions from their property records,” Johnson said. “By empowering homeowners to easily remove racist language from their property deeds, our state is taking steps to combat a painful relic of the historical harms done to our communities of color and to root out racism in all of our institutions.”

The law was effective Jan. 1, 2022. Johnson joined Nicole Sullivan, Catherine Shannon and State Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove) Tuesday at the Lake County Recorder Office to file a document to strike a local racial covenant.