BUFFALO GROVE – To make it even more convenient for residents to ask questions and get assistance with state services, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is hosting mobile office hours throughout the summer in locations across the 30^th District.

“One of the most important parts of public service is being accessible,” Johnson said. “Not every resident has the time or transportation to visit my office—so I’m bringing my office to them.”

The first mobile office hours event will be held Tuesday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Buffalo Grove Park District’s Alcott Center, located at 530 Bernard Drive.

For those who are unable to make the July 13 session, Johnson will also host evening office hours on Monday, July 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Vernon Hills Park District’s Sullivan Center, located at 635 N. Aspen Drive.

Johnson invites residents to stop by either event for help with unemployment cases and state services, or simply to discuss issues facing the community.

“Parents and residents who work long hours often find it difficult to schedule a visit during the workday,” Johnson said. “I want to offer everyone the opportunity to talk with me.”

Future mobile office hours events will be announced on Johnson’s Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as on her website, www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com.

Residents can also contact Johnson’s office for assistance at 847-672-6201 or www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/contact-us.

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – For the first time since 1998, Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded Illinois’ bond rating, potentially saving taxpayers millions of dollars, and State Senators Adriane Johnson and Julie Morrison say the improvement signals a stronger financial future for the state and its residents.

“Illinois has seen unprecedented hardship over the past year, but thanks to responsible budgeting and careful financial planning, we are seeing positive returns,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “For the first time in a long time, we are heading in the right direction.”

The upgrade is the first Moody’s has issued to Illinois since June 1998, and the second positive rating action for the state in a week, following an outlook improvement from Fitch.

Moody’s upgrade credited “material improvements,” with only “constrained use of federal aid,” including increased pension payments, repayment of federal borrowing and responsible maintenance of the bill backlog.

Illinois’ ratings on General Obligation bonds, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, and Build Illinois bonds were each upgraded and are now a step closer to the top rating.

The rating of a state’s bonds is a measure of their credit quality. A higher bond rating generally means the state can borrow at a lower interest rate, saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

“The work we’ve done to pass a responsible, balanced budget while continuing to prioritize the needs Illinoisans faced during the pandemic shows we’re on a path toward a brighter future,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “From repaying our emergency Federal Reserve borrowings ahead of schedule, to limiting the use of aid from the American Rescue Plan, we are back on the right track.”

The General Assembly has crafted two balanced budgets during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The budget for the upcoming fiscal year pays down state debts, fully funds pensions and keeps Illinois current on bill payments, significantly reducing the state’s structural budget deficit.

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.