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Illinois Housing Committee passes affordable housing legislation

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By adwpadmin

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- State representatives advanced a bill out of the Housing Committee Wednesday to give college students the opportunity to live in affordable housing units.

Republican members questioned if the affordable housing units would actually serve a need in community college districts. They said community college students mostly commute instead of living on campus.

“This is not mandatory,� said Representative Nick Smith (D-Chicago). “This is strictly voluntary, so it’s not being forced upon any community college district. It’s their choice whether they want to engage in this or not. I think once we get up and running, and get a couple of these housing developments done, others will see how successful it is.�

Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) suggested introducing a pilot program for the housing instead. She said lawmakers could launch the project in select communities rather than the entire state.

However, passed out of the committee 15-8 without Mazzochi’s suggestion. The legislation now moves to the House floor for second reading.

Housing Development Authority: $1 billion due to landlords

The Illinois Housing Development Authority also told lawmakers how renters, homeowners, and landlords are feeling the financial impacts of COVID-19.

IHDA Executive Director Kristen Faust said renters owe $1 billion in unpaid rent to landlords because of the pandemic. However, she explained the state has the funds to help pay it back.

She emphasized that $225 million came from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program back in 2020. Congress also approved $840 million for landlords in the stimulus bill passed in December.

“Roughly speaking, using some loose math, I think we have a shot at meeting a great percentage of the need,� said Faust. “Which means making landlords whole and keeping tenants in place.�

The department’s executive director also said the goal is to serve all of Illinois. Although, the housing group aimed a significant amount of its funding to under-represented communities. She feels getting this information out to the state could encourage those struggling to apply for the program.