Public Announcements
Illinois Senate Democrats outline housing affordability package
SPRINGFIELD — As the nation grapples with a growing housing affordability crisis, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus stood together during a press conference Tuesday to outline their package of proposals aimed at making renting and owning a home more affordable, fair and accessible for working families across the state.
As the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development takes steps to slash funding for affordable housing and propose strict work requirements and time limits for people who rely on housing assistance, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is fighting to make sure Illinois does not turn its back on those who are already struggling under Senate Bill 608.
The measure would clearly establish that housing authorities and private owners of subsidized housing in Illinois can’t mandate work requirements or place time limits on residents. According to Housing Action Illinois, more than 200,000 households in Illinois participate in the Section 8 program – most of whom are older adults, families with children and people with disabilities.
“Cost of living is on the rise and now the Trump administration is working to make it harder for residents to access affordable, quality housing options by imposing work requirements and time limits for those participating in federal housing assistance programs,” said Villivalam. “We must stand up for our neighbors and ensure their ability to live and thrive in our neighborhoods, not make them work extra just to sleep somewhere at night.”
