The 2018 midterm election results have created new opportunities at both the state and federal level for advocates working on homelessness and affordable housing. Candidates and incumbents (whether campaigning or not) have been talking more about housing and have introduced specific proposals, such as increasing resources for the National Housing Trust Fund and creating a renter’s tax credit.
At the federal level, with Democrats taking control of the House, more housing champions will be in leadership positions—and housing policies that are detrimental to our mission are less likely to move forward. In Illinois, Democrats gained two seats in the House, making the composition of our federal delegation 13 Democrats and 5 Republicans.
At the state level, we are already engaging many of our members and allies to identify our priorities to share with Governor-elect J.B. Pritzker’s transition team. We also plan to build relationships with new legislators in the Illinois General Assembly (where Democrats now have a supermajority in both the Senate and House) in order to educate them about key issues, including how affordable housing is a critical for improving the state’s infrastructure. Keep an eye out for more information about our state advocacy agenda for 2019.
Tell us what you’d like to see on our 2019 policy agenda! Email our Policy Director Bob Palmer at bob@housingactionil.org with any suggestions or comments.