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	<title>Advocacy Updates | Housing Action Illinois</title>
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		<title>First Win: Court Protects Housing Counseling Funds For Now</title>
		<link>https://housingactionil.org/blog/2026/10/01/first-win-court-protects-housing-counseling-funds-for-now/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kristin Ginger]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:25:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Housing Counselor Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organization Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Education & Organizing]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://housingactionil.org/?p=521329</guid>

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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h4><span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><em>We joined nine plaintiffs suing the Trump administration. Yesterday, a court paused the funding cutoff. </em></span></h4></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Federal housing counseling funds are protected, for now. <strong>Yesterday, a judge ordered the delay of the expiration of $56 million in funding for HUD&#8217;s housing counseling program.</strong></p>
<p><strong>This is a critical first step, but not a final outcome.</strong> The order is temporary while the court considers the full case. For now, funding that supports and stabilizes individuals, families, and communities remains protected and available for disbursement later on, depending on additional legal proceedings. </p></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h4><span style="color: #3a3a3a;">Here is how we reached this point:</span></h4></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Last Friday (September 25), the <strong>White House announced that they were clawing back <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T14131812-864b-4d62-89b3-93b4e35824a7/56a51878-0363-4d37-9136-96138b923475">nearly $1 billion in funds</a> already appropriated by Congress</strong> in what is called a pocket rescission. This pocket rescission includes the <strong>$56 million in funding for HUD’s housing counseling program</strong> that is at stake in our lawsuit.</p>
<p>Housing Action Illinois was named in the <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T40c1551a-4e65-4971-9f03-02a2af52e2af/56a51878-0363-4d37-9136-96138b923475">White House press release</a>, which describes us as a “radical left NGO that believes ‘housing is a human right,’ and is committed to ‘advancing equitable community development and affirmatively furthering racial justice.’”</p>
<p>Housing Action Illinois administers HUD housing counseling funding on behalf of 38 affiliate housing counseling agencies working across eight states and Washington D.C. to provide first-time homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention assistance, and other services to help families find and keep stable homes.</p>
<p>The housing counseling program has bipartisan support. However, the $56 million targeted for cancellation is almost all of the program’s FY25 funding.</p>
<p><strong>On Tuesday (September 29), Housing Action Illinois joined nine plaintiffs from across the country in filing a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration.</strong> The suit alleges that this funding cancellation violates the First Amendment and federal law, including the Administrative Procedure Act. You can read the full press release <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/Te212cbe4-2f60-4c15-8ca4-a6a8ba316824/56a51878-0363-4d37-9136-96138b923475">here</a>.</p>
<p>The situation is evolving quickly, and we will provide updates as we can, although we’re relieved to have been able to preserve this funding for now.</p>
<p>Thank you for your support as we continue our work to ensure that <strong>everyone in Illinois and beyond has a safe, affordable place to call home.</strong></p></div>
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		<title>HUD Hit With Lawsuit After Withholding Tens of Millions in Housing Grants</title>
		<link>https://housingactionil.org/blog/2026/09/29/hud-lawsuit/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kristin Ginger]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:00:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Housing Counselor Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organization Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Education & Organizing]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://housingactionil.org/?p=520554</guid>

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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h4><span style="color: #3a3a3a;"><em>The Department of Housing and Urban Development abruptly cut approximately $56 million in funding and illegally altered its policies, putting thousands of families at risk of foreclosure</em></span></h4></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2026</strong></p>
<p><strong>Media Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Kristin Ginger, Housing Action Illinois: <a href="mailto:kristin@housingactionil.org">kristin@housingactionil.org</a><br />Teresa Mozur, Democracy Defenders Fund: (301) 375-0451, <a href="mailto:teresa@democracydefenders.org">teresa@democracydefenders.org</a><br />Dan Jacobson, Jacobson Lawyers Group: <a href="mailto:dan@jacobsonlawyersgroup.com">dan@jacobsonlawyersgroup.com</a></p>
<p><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong> — Today, Democracy Defenders Fund and Jacobson Lawyers Group filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Housing and Urban Development on behalf of 10 non-profit organizations that provide housing support services. The suit challenges HUD’s abrupt cancellation of grant funding that longtime recipients had expected to receive, after months of delays and uncertainty. The delays and policy changes already forced organizations to overextend their budgets and incur uncompensated costs. The latest funding cuts will eliminate Americans’ access to vital homebuyer education and foreclosure-prevention counseling, alongside critical support for renters and individuals experiencing homelessness.</p>
<p>The lawsuit follows the Trump administration’s recent issuance of pocket rescissions cutting $56 million in housing counseling funds, a move that directly jeopardizes the housing security of thousands of families facing foreclosure or eviction. The plaintiffs provide essential support for everyday Americans navigating financial crises, modifying mortgages or striving for homeownership. These federal cuts deal a blow to prospective homebuyers, renters and unhoused families who rely on counseling services to guide critical financial decisions. The abrupt funding cuts come as households face severe affordability pressures and a rising cost of living, making housing guidance essential. Without these support systems, vulnerable families face greater hurdles to maintaining housing stability, navigating mortgages and avoiding foreclosure.</p>
<p>Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include:</p>
<ul>
<li>The National Urban League</li>
<li>Housing Action Illinois</li>
<li>North Carolina Housing Coalition</li>
<li>New Jersey Citizen Action</li>
<li>Housing &amp; Community Development Network of NJ</li>
<li>National CAPACD</li>
<li>Fair Housing Resource Center</li>
<li>Southwest Fresno Community Development Corporation</li>
<li>Somerville Community Corporation</li>
<li>National Foundation for Debt Management</li>
</ul>
<p>The suit highlights First Amendment violations as the administration targeted and canceled grants to penalize recipients for disfavored viewpoints and protected speech outside the program. The lawsuit also claims that HUD’s actions violate federal law, ignore established regulations and arbitrarily reverse three decades of policy. Under the Administrative Procedure Act, the complaint asserts that HUD acted arbitrarily and capriciously by failing to explain its abrupt policy shift, disregarding reliance interests, and withholding congressionally mandated funds.</p>
<p>“The Trump administration’s decision is as illegal as it is heartless,” said <strong>Tianna Mays, legal director at Democracy Defenders Fund</strong>. “The president cannot unilaterally slash congressionally appropriated housing funds, putting thousands of vulnerable families at risk. We will fight this in court on behalf of every household in America that depends on these support services as the cost of living continues to rise.”</p>
<p>“The government’s effort to unilaterally cancel congressionally mandated funding is unlawful standing on its own,” said <strong>Daniel Jacobson, Founder of Jacobson Lawyers Group PLLC</strong>. “But it is doubly unlawful because the White House made clear that it is cancelling this program because it does not like the views and speech of recipients of the funds, in blatant violation of the First Amendment.”</p>
<p>&#8220;The White House effectively has admitted that this rescission was motivated, at least in part, by criticism of the administration&#8217;s policies. That&#8217;s not how our Constitution works,” said <strong>Marc H. Morial, National Urban League president and CEO</strong>. “No president has the authority to retaliate against critics by blocking investments Congress has already approved — a violation made even egregious when the result is denying vital housing resources to struggling communities.&#8221;</p>
<p>“The people hurt most by this pocket rescission are those who simply seek the American Dream — to own a home,” said <strong>Sharon K. Legenza, executive director of Housing Action Illinois</strong>. “If these essential funds are withheld, local housing counseling agencies will not be able to provide critical financial literacy, rental, and homeownership education, making it even harder, especially in this economic climate, for families seeking guidance on some of the most complex, important financial decisions of their lives.”</p>
<p>&#8220;Local housing counseling agencies are on the front lines keeping families in their homes in the midst of financial crisis and preparing first-time homebuyers for homeownership,” said <strong>Samuel Gunter, executive director at the North Carolina Housing Coalition</strong>. “Their work preserves and builds wealth for communities across the state. It is unacceptable that after more than a year of delay, the administration has chosen to defy congress and not release appropriated funds. It only harms North Carolina communities.&#8221;</p>
<p>“At a time when many Americans across the country are struggling with housing affordability, the Trump Administration is continuing its attacks on our social safety net, this time targeting the nonprofit service providers and federal programming, including comprehensive housing counseling services, that provide a critical lifeline to those most in need,” said <strong>Dena Mottola Jaborska, executive director of New Jersey Citizen Action</strong>.</p>
<p>“NJ families and residents are in the midst of a housing affordability crisis, and will be deeply harmed by the White House rescission of HUD-housing counseling dollars,” said <strong>Staci Berger, President and CEO of the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ</strong>, the largest, funded HUD-certified housing counseling intermediary in the state. “We are pursuing this action to protect our neighbors and communities, so that they are able to access affordable, safe and stable housing using the wide array of HUD housing counseling services that Congress authorized.”</p>
<p>“In 2026, this is exactly the wrong time to make it harder for homeowners in distress to get help. We must restore access to trusted, local housing counseling without further delay,” said <strong>Patricia Kidd, executive director of the Fair Housing Resource Center</strong> in Ohio. “Families facing the loss of their homes cannot put their crises on hold while funding remains unresolved.”</p>
<p>“At a time when people across the country are struggling with rising housing costs and an unprecedented affordability crisis, it is a direct attack on our democracy and its people to unilaterally decide to rescind funding for programs that help address the basic needs of communities across the country,” said<strong> Seema Agnani, CEO, National CAPACD</strong>.</p>
<p>Read the full complaint <a href="https://www.democracydefendersfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/092926_DDF-Complaint-National-Urban-League.pdf">here</a>.</p></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p style="text-align: center;">###</p>
<p><strong>Housing Action Illinois</strong> has been leading the movement to end homelessness, address the shortage of affordable rental housing, and expand homeownership opportunities in Illinois for nearly 40 years.</p>
<p><strong>Democracy Defenders Fund</strong> brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.</p>
<p><strong>Jacobson Lawyers Group</strong> is an elite group of former government attorneys helping clients overcome federal funding and regulatory challenges.</p></div>
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		<title>Launching Housing Counseling Matters: 2026 Story Collection</title>
		<link>https://housingactionil.org/blog/2026/08/21/housing-counseling-matters-2026-story-collection/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kristin Ginger]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:06:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Housing Counselor Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Education & Organizing]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://housingactionil.org/?p=520954</guid>

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				<span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1628" height="662" src="https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HCM-StoryCollection2026-Header.png" alt="" title="HCM-StoryCollection2026-Header" srcset="https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HCM-StoryCollection2026-Header.png 1628w, https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HCM-StoryCollection2026-Header-1280x520.png 1280w, https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HCM-StoryCollection2026-Header-980x399.png 980w, https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HCM-StoryCollection2026-Header-480x195.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1628px, 100vw" class="wp-image-520979" /></span>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Housing Action Illinois is collecting stories from professional housing counselors and clients to help illustrate how housing counseling makes a difference in our communities.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We will use these stories to show the need for robust federal funding for housing counseling and support for education for all community members.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://housingactionil.org/downloads/Policy/HUD_FY25_HC_NOFO_Fact_Sheet_Illinois_05.08.26.pdf"><span>Learn more about recent changes to funding for housing counseling and eligible activities »</span></a></p>
<p>Even just sending in a 1-2 sentence answer to one question helps, and you&#8217;re welcome to record yourself answering and send in an audio or video file.</p>
<p><a href="https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HCM-2026StoryCollection-Examples.pdf"><b>View some very short example stories »</b></a><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Click below to submit your story today:</b></p></div>
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						<h4 class="et_pb_module_header"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6Z2ZFWH2GaskyxX2vecb9fMDgDJGwdYNsYNTSnyuexms0OA/viewform?usp=sharing&#038;ouid=114769785069038522370">SUBMIT Counselor Stories</a></h4>
						
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Questions? Contact us at <a href="mailto:communications@housingaction">communications@housingactionil.org</a>.</span><b></b></p></div>
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		<title>Housing Wage in Illinois Now More than $30</title>
		<link>https://housingactionil.org/blog/2026/07/23/housing-wage-in-illinois-now-more-than-30-2/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kristin Ginger]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:33:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Education & Organizing]]></category>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>For Immediate Release:</strong> July 23, 2026<br /><strong>Contact:</strong> Kristin Ginger, Director of Communications &amp; Development, Housing Action Illinois, kristin@housingactionil.org or 312-854-3333</p>
<p><b>CHICAGO, IL</b><strong> – Full-time workers need to earn $30.36 per hour to afford a modest, two-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent in Illinois.</strong> This is Illinois’ “2026 Housing Wage” according to <em><a href="http://www.nlihc.org/oor">Out of Reach</a></em>, a report published jointly today by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and Housing Action Illinois.</p>
<p>Out of Reach, released annually, documents the gulf between wages and what people need to earn to afford their rents. The report shows that affordable rental homes remain out of reach for millions of low-wage workers and their families. The report’s Housing Wage is an estimate of the hourly wage full-time workers must earn to afford a rental home at HUD’s Fair Market Rent without spending more than 30% of their incomes.</p>
<p><strong>This year, for the first time, the Housing Wage for Illinois has surpassed $30 per hour.</strong> Costs in the Chicago metropolitan area are even higher, with a Housing Wage of $34.25. Statewide, the Housing Wage ranges from $39.42 in the Kendall County metropolitan area to $17.62 in certain rural areas of central and southern Illinois.</p>
<p><strong>“High rental costs continue to hurt people with the lowest incomes the most, especially minimum wage earners and people with disabilities,” said Bob Palmer, Policy Director for Housing Action Illinois.</strong> “For people experiencing homelessness, it’s a particularly difficult environment to find affordable apartments, both for the directly impacted people and the nonprofits who work with them.”</p>
<p>In Illinois, the maximum monthly Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment for an individual is $994. Therefore, a person on SSI can only afford $298 a month in rent without paying more than 30% of their income for housing. If someone is earning the state minimum wage of $15, they must work 81 hours per week to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment.</p>
<p>In 2026, the average hourly wage earned by Illinois renters is $24. Even for a one bedroom apartment, a worker must earn $26.32.</p>
<p><strong><em>Out of Reach 2026</em> highlights the significant need for rental subsidies, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, and deeply affordable rental housing to assist the lowest-income renters.</strong> Despite this need, federal resources for affordable housing remain insufficient. Currently, only one in four eligible households receives federal housing assistance due to chronic underfunding. This underfunding is largely a result of housing assistance programs, which are not entitlements, competing for limited discretionary federal funding.</p>
<p>For additional information, and to download the report, visit: <a href="http://www.nlihc.org/oor"><span style="font-weight: 400;">http://www.nlihc.org/oor</span></a><a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/naeh1302/viz/FY26NOFOImpactAnalysis/Dashboard1#1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></a></p></div>
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<p><strong>About Housing Action Illinois</strong></p>
<p>Housing Action Illinois has been leading the movement to end homelessness, address the shortage of affordable rental housing, and expand homeownership opportunities in Illinois for nearly 40 years. With our 200+ member organizations, we bring everyone together to work toward our vision of an Illinois where everyone has a stable, good home.</p>
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		<title>HUD Changes Could Push More than 5,000 Illinoisans Back Into Homelessness</title>
		<link>https://housingactionil.org/blog/2026/06/26/hud-changes-could-push-more-than-5000-illinoisans-back-into-homelessness/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kristin Ginger]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:01:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Releases]]></category>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>For Immediate Release:</strong> June 26, 2026<br /><strong>Contact:</strong> Kristin Ginger, Director of Communications &amp; Development, Housing Action Illinois, kristin@housingactionil.org or 312-854-3333</p>
<p><b>CHICAGO, IL</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">A new </span><a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/naeh1302/viz/FY26NOFOImpactAnalysis/Dashboard1#1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">analysis</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from the National Alliance to End Homelessness finds that </span><b>5,105 Illinoisans are at risk of losing their homes as Illinois’ 19 Continuum of Care networks stand to lose more than $60 million</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in existing federal homelessness funding for permanent supportive housing and other permanent housing under recent changes proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">HUD released its FY2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Continuum of Care (CoC) program on June 1. The CoC is our nation’s largest investment in ending homelessness. Funds currently received by CoC networks are subject to a national competitive application process. In a dramatic break from the approach that has been the focus for nearly two  decades, HUD has been proposing to reject evidence-based Housing First policies and practices in favor of short-term assistance, transitional housing and mandatory treatment.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Housing First programs—especially permanent supportive housing—pair stable, affordable housing with mental health care, substance use treatment, medical care for other chronic diseases, and additional support people need to rebuild their lives. Decades of research show this approach is more effective at ending homelessness than alternatives, which matters greatly in a country where there is nowhere near enough affordable housing to begin with.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;Permanent supportive housing is a proven tool to end homelessness, particularly for those with mental illness or substance use disorder, and has had longtime bipartisan support. Replacing permanent housing subsidies with time-limited support or funding for supportive services alone will lead to more people experiencing homelessness, not fewer,&#8221; said </span><b>Mark Ishaug, President and CEO of Thresholds,</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> one of Illinois&#8217; largest and longest serving providers of community mental health treatment and supportive housing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">HUD proposed similar changes for the FY2025 CoC Program NOFO. However, a combination of court decisions and actions by Congress </span><a href="https://www.csh.org/2026/02/fy26-hud-appropriations-bill-clears-congress-essential-housing-investments-protected-as-fy26-bill-advances/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">required HUD to renew existing contracts for one year</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The provisions in the FY26 NOFO are once again subject to </span><a href="https://democracyforward.org/news/press-releases/coalition-challenges-latest-efforts-to-politicize-homelessness-funding-grants/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">legal challenge</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;We urge HUD and the administration to reverse course and return to funding what works: permanent supportive housing and other Housing First programs supported by evidence,” said </span><b>Bob Palmer, Policy Director for Housing Action Illinois</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many groups in Illinois have been working together to appeal to members of our Congressional delegation to expand funding for the CoC program, keep a focus on Housing First strategies, and require HUD to protect existing permanent supportive housing and the people who live in it. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These groups include, but are not limited to: Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County, AIDS Foundation Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Center for Housing and Health, Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness, Chicago Homelessness and Health Response Group for Equity (CHHRGE), Chicago Funders Together to End Homelessness, Christian Community Health Center, Housing Action Illinois, Illinois Shelter Alliance, Lincoln Park Community Services, NAMI Chicago, New Moms, South Suburban PADS, Supportive Housing Providers Association and Thresholds.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/naeh1302/viz/FY26NOFOImpactAnalysis/Dashboard1#1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">View the full analysis from NAEH »</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></a></p></div>
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<p><strong>About Housing Action Illinois</strong></p>
<p>Housing Action Illinois has been leading the movement to end homelessness, address the shortage of affordable rental housing, and expand homeownership opportunities in Illinois for nearly 40 years. With our 200+ member organizations, we bring everyone together to work toward our vision of an Illinois where everyone has a stable, good home.</p>
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		<title>Organizational Sign-On Letter: Protect the Equal Access Rule</title>
		<link>https://housingactionil.org/blog/2026/06/08/organizational-sign-on-letter-protect-the-equal-access-rule/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kristin Ginger]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:12:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Alerts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Updates]]></category>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong><span style="color: #a22b38;"><em>Deadline: All comments must be submitted by 12:00 pm CT on Monday, June 29, 2026.</em></span></strong></p>
<p>Housing Action Illinois is urging organizations across the state to sign on to a <a href="https://housingactionil.org/downloads/Policy/Housing_Action_Illinois_Equal_Access_Rule_Comment_Letter.pdf">letter</a> opposing HUD’s proposed rescission of the Equal Access Rule (EAR).<a href="https://housingactionil.salsalabs.org/equalaccessletter0626/index.html"><strong></strong></a></p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<h3>What is the Equal Access Rule?</h3>
<p>The EAR guarantees equal access to programs and services funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.</p>
<p>Established more than 10 years ago, it ensures families can remain together in shelter and protects transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people from being turned away from live-saving resources.</p>
<h3>Why This Matters</h3>
<ul>
<li>Transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals would lose critical housing protections</li>
<li>All people experiencing homelessness would be affected, not only LGBTQI+ individuals</li>
<li>Homelessness rates would likely increase, straining local and state budgets</li>
<li>State and local protections for LGBTQI+ individuals could be undermined</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://housingactionil.salsalabs.org/equalaccessletter0626/index.html"><strong>Read the letter and sign on »</strong></a></p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Deadline to sign on: 12:00 pm CT on Monday, June 29, 2026.</strong></p>
<p>If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.</p>
<p>Thank you for taking action. </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Not able to sign on for an organization?</strong></em></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Individuals can also submit comments via <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T32b46995-bb16-467c-9471-202e819f17f8/f1d76ef7-5e63-4338-94c8-f7abf654548a">regulations.gov</a>. HUD must read and account for comments in a published final rule. Find step-by-step instructions on how to submit comments <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/Td2de22a2-a207-45fb-a0b1-5513731e96a6/f1d76ef7-5e63-4338-94c8-f7abf654548a">here</a>.</em></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong><a href="https://housingactionil.org/join-us/stay-in-touch/">Sign up for our Policy Advocacy alerts »</a></strong><br /></span></p>
<p><strong>Support our work by <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T8b18b450-ada8-4b0b-b730-d23df389ffdb/090ceed2-ac65-47b2-825e-185cf56129f5">donating</a> or <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T8ecb7291-499a-47c0-a61c-274ce7cbdd62/efd1a25e-cd61-4b2e-854d-87e3c76fa35f">becoming a member today »</a></strong></p>
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		<title>2026 State Legislative Session Wrap-Up</title>
		<link>https://housingactionil.org/blog/2026/06/02/2026-state-legislative-session-wrap-up/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kristin Ginger]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:30:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Education & Organizing]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://housingactionil.org/?p=520096</guid>

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				<span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="578" height="141" src="https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/CapitolLine-1.png" alt="" title="CapitolLine" srcset="https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/CapitolLine-1.png 578w, https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/CapitolLine-1-300x73.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px" class="wp-image-269860" /></span>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Each year, Housing Action Illinois works at both the state and federal levels on a broad range of issues aligned with our core mission of creating an Illinois where everyone has a good, affordable place to call home.<span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p><strong>Housing was a higher profile issue than usual during the 2026 Illinois General Assembly session. </strong><a href="https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32326"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Governor Pritzker’s BUILD proposal</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to support missing middle housing, an </span><a href="https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/caucus-news/6914-illinois-senate-democrats-outline-housing-affordability-package"><span style="font-weight: 400;">eight-bill affordable housing package</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from Senate Democrats, and growing public concern about affordability all kept housing in the spotlight during this year’s legislative debates. For most households, housing is their single largest monthly expense.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>While actively supporting the BUILD proposal, Housing Action Illinois maintained our focus on the needs of people experiencing homelessness and others with the greatest affordability challenges.</strong> We’re glad to report that we, along with our partners and allies, achieved notable successes on these issues during the session, even though debate on BUILD and other proposals continues.</span></p>
<p><em>There are many ways you can get involved—you can help support this work by learning more, sharing this wrap up to help others learn more, <a href="https://housingactionil.org/join-us/stay-in-touch/">signing up for our emails</a>, <a href="https://housingactionil.org/donations/?eType=EmailBlastContent&amp;eId=44444444-4444-4444-4444-444444444444">making a donation</a>, or <a href="https://housingactionil.org/join-us/become-a-member/?eType=EmailBlastContent&amp;eId=44444444-4444-4444-4444-444444444444">becoming an organizational member</a>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Together, we can create an Illinois where everyone has a stable, affordable place to call home.</strong></p>
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<li><a href="#budget">Budget Breakdown</a>
<ul>
<li><em>Rejection of Cuts to HOME Illinois</em></li>
<li><em>Progressive Revenue Increases Not Enough</em></li>
<li><em>Budget Wins from Our Partners and Allies</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#taxreform">Major Tax Reforms Will Help Homeowners Keep Equity and Their Homes</a></li>
<li><a href="#junkfees">Rental Affordability and Fee Transparency Act Passes</a><a href="#StateMatch"></a></li>
<li><a href="#MoreGood">More Good Bills That Passed</a></li>
<li><a href="#progress">Still in Progress</a></li>
</ul></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><strong>Budget Breakdown</strong></h1></div>
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<h3><strong>General Assembly Rejects Proposed Cut to HOME Illinois</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>As the result of significant advocacy and education, the General Assembly rejected the proposed $10 million cut to the HOME Illinois Program to prevent and end homelessness</strong> and kept funding at the current level of $263.7 million.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some tried to rationalize the cut by pointing to a lower demand for services. We pushed back, noting </span><a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/letters-to-the-editor/2026/05/30/pullman-innovations-southeast-side-motorists-ai-homelessness-bears-street-vendors-cta-memorial-day"><span style="font-weight: 400;">in the press</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and elsewhere that the State of Illinois’ own </span><a href="https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27897/documents/Homelessness/24-26_Home%20Illinois_Plan2%20(003)_A11Y.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HOME Illinois plan</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has identified a shortage of 4,236 shelter beds, 10,428 rapid rehousing units, and 10,972 permanent supportive housing units in Illinois. More resources are needed to address these shortages.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We were disappointed that there was a $1.4 million reduction for the Supportive MI Housing line item that helps pay for services in supportive housing for people with severe mental illness.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Requests from our allies that were not funded included an increase for the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program to $10 million, as well as a funding request from the </span><a href="https://homeforgoodillinois.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Home for Good</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Coalition to improve housing and support services for people returning from prison.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>During the upcoming year and beyond, we will continue to advocate for the spending increases necessary to fully realize the goals of the HOME Illinois plan.</strong> Thank you to the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness, Illinois Shelter Alliance, and the Supportive Housing Providers Association for partnering on this work, as well as all the organizations and individuals participating in their local Continuum of Care Network who advocated with us. Thanks also to State Representative Lindsey LaPointe and State Senator Adriane Johnson for being our lead champions in their respective chambers.</span></p></div>
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<h3><strong>Budget Supported by Some Progressive Revenue Increases But Not Enough</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a member of the </span><a href="https://www.illinoisrevenuealliance.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Illinois Revenue Alliance</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, we are pleased with the creation of a digital advertising tax that should bring in more than $1 billion in revenue to the state each year, as well as removal of one Trump-era tax break from our state tax code. However, the General Assembly should have done more, including full decoupling from all recent federal tax reductions for the wealthy and passing a billionaire wealth tax. </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZDzqdLlBaW/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Read the Illinois Revenue Alliance statement on passage of the FY27 state budget » </span></a></p>
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<p><strong>The </strong><a href="https://www.ihda.org/developers/tax-credits/illinois-affordable-housing-tax-credit/"><b>Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit</b></a><b> was exten</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">d</span><b>ed for 10 years,</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with the annual allocation increase raised from 5% to 10%. Led by the Illinois Housing Council (IHC), this change —starting with $1.9 million in FY27—is estimated by IHC to help fund 9,856 new affordable rental homes over 5 years, including 1,341 additional homes beyond what would have been produced under the current growth rate. Passed as part of the revenue omnibus bill, these changes were originally included in legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Porfirio (</span><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3738&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;LegID=167027&amp;SessionID=114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">SB 3738</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) and Representative Dee Avelar (</span><a href="https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?GAID=18&amp;DocNum=4413&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=165058&amp;SessionID=114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HB 4413</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">).</span></p>
<p><b>The capital budget</b> <b>included $250 million for missing middle and affordable housing programs,</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> originally proposed by Governor Pritzker as part of the BUILD proposal. We also supported this as part of advocacy on the BUILD legislative package. Funding is allocated across housing development ($100 million), related infrastructure improvements ($100 million), and down payment assistance for homebuyers ($50 million).</span></p>
<p><b>Schools serving students and families experiencing homelessness received new state funding,</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with a $2 million increase for local public school districts and $2.5 million for state-funded universities. The Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness, working with Representative Laura Faver Dias and others, successfully advocated for this funding. </span></p>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><strong>Major Tax Sale Reforms to Help Homeowners Keep Their Equity and Their Homes</strong></h1></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><a href="https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4537&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=165364&amp;SessionID=114"><b>HB 4537</b></a><b>: Chief Sponsors: Senator Celina Villanueva and Representative Curtis Tarver</b></h3>
<p><strong>This legislation is the most sweeping reform to Illinois’ property tax sale in decades, and passing it represents three years of sustained advocacy by Housing Action Illinois and our partners. </strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4537&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=165364&amp;SessionID=114=162254&amp;SessionID=114">HB 4537</a> will put Illinois into compliance with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision, </span><a href="https://communityprogress.org/publications/2024-tyler-hennepin-policy-brief/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tyler v. Hennepin</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which found it unconstitutional for states to allow property owners to lose their home without any opportunity to recover remaining equity after the tax debt is paid. The bill creates additional fees paid by private tax buyers to support two different funds to compensate property owners—one for recent claims and another for claims going back as far as ten years. A competitive auction system of properties subject to tax foreclosure will be established and  used to determine compensation for lost equity.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, additional reforms in the bill should make this an increasingly rare occurrence, including, but not limited to improved notice requirements that encourage people to contact a HUD approved housing counseling agency and increasing the amount of time that residential property owners have to pay back taxes that have been sold from 2.5 years to 3 years. </span></p>
<h3><strong><em>Private Tax Buying to be Phased Out in Cook County and Beyond</em></strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>HB 4537’s most significant step toward addressing the injustices of the tax sale system is ending  private tax buying in Cook County.</strong> This will take effect at the seventh tax sale after legislation becomes effective, which should be in 2031. At that time, Cook County will start acquiring all the tax liens that would otherwise be offered to sale to private tax buyers, making paying delinquent taxes more affordable through payment plans, interest fee waivers, and other permissible means made possible by previous state law changes. Other counties will have this option, as well.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Between now and 2031, this bill directs Cook County to establish a pilot program for Cook County to acquire the tax liens for up to 100 homeowners each year, without them ever being offered for sale to private tax buyers. The pilot program will focus on homeowners with the lowest home values as a means of supporting homeowners who are most likely to have the lowest incomes and the most challenges affording their property taxes.</span></p>
<h3><strong><i>Compensating Homeowners with Existing Claims Still Unresolved</i></strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While HB 4537 does create limited new revenue to help pay past claims for lost equity, an ongoing issue will be determining how to compensate all homeowners and others with past and existing claims. </span><a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/money/2026/05/11/cook-county-property-tax-sale-violations-pappas"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cook County was recently found liable</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by the courts for not adequately compensating nearly 2,500 homeowners who lost the actual properties as well as the equity they’d built in those homes after their delinquent property taxes had been sold. Multiple other court cases on this issue continue to be litigated against counties, tax buyers and the State of Illinois. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thanks to our legislative champions, Senator Celina Villanueva and Representative Curtis Tarver, for taking the time to pass strong, comprehensive reforms. In addition to the offices of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, our key partners included AARP, Center for Community Progress, Chicago Community Trust, National Consumer Law Center and Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/05/28/cook-county-tax-buyer-industry-equity-theft-reform-bill/?share=u0oaonuiiutlkmbilfqi"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Read </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chicago Tribune</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> coverage on the passage on </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tyler v. Hennepin</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> reform in Illinois.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Also see </span><a href="https://www.injusticewatch.org/civil-courts/housing/2025/illinois-is-the-last-state-to-unlawfully-strip-wealth-from-homeowners-caught-in-tax-foreclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">previous coverage</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on how the injustices of the tax sale system, particularly how tax sales have taken wealth and stability from Black homeowners and communities.</span> <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/09/13/cook-county-property-tax-incentive/"></a></p></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><strong>Rental Affordability and Fee Transparency Act Passes</strong></h1></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><a href="https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3564&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=162254&amp;SessionID=114"><b>HB 3564</b></a><b>: Chief Sponsors: Representative Nabeela Syed and Senator Mike Simmons</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This <a href="https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3564&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=162254&amp;SessionID=114">legislation</a>, which passed the General Assembly in April, <strong>requires that landlords place all non-optional fees on the first page of the rental agreement, and prohibits 11 different junk fees that are simply unnecessary.</strong> The legislation works to ensure that fees are fair and transparent. A “trailer bill,” or subsequent technical bill (</span><a href="https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocTypeID=HB&amp;DocNum=5234&amp;GAID=18&amp;SessionID=114&amp;LegID=166928"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HB 5234), </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">changed the effective date of this new law to January 1, 2027. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our partners included Law Center for Better Housing, New Moms, Supportive Housing Providers Association, and Uptown People’s Law Center.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To learn more, see Senator Simmons’ </span><a href="https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/caucus-news/74-senator-mike-simmons-news/6752-simmons-syed-outline-plan-to-ban-junk-fees-for-illinois-renters"><span style="font-weight: 400;">press release</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on passage of the legislation, as well as our </span><a href="https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HB3564-RentalAffordabilityandFeeTransparencyAct.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">fact sheet</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Thank you to our chief sponsors and other supporters in the General Assembly.</span> </p></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><strong>More Good Bills That Passed</strong></h1></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additional positive housing-related bills that passed the General Assembly due to the work of others include:</span></p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<h3><strong></strong></h3>
<h3><strong>Preventing and Ending Homelessness</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4137&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegID=164178&amp;SessionID=114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HB 4137</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Sponsored by Representative Michelle Mussman and Senator Karina Villa, this bill amends the Education for Homeless Children Act to allow a school district to provide for an extended motel stay for a child who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Homeowner Support</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4273&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegID=164764&amp;SessionID=114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HB 4273</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Sponsored by Representative Thaddeus Jones and Senator Michael Hastings, this legislation <strong>prohibits homeowners’ insurance companies from increasing premiums by more than 10% without first notifying the consumer 60 days prior.</strong> This gives consumers the necessary time to shop around and find a better rate. The bill prohibits premiums from being excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. </span><a href="https://www.senatorhastings.com/news/press-releases/497-hastings-landmark-insurance-reform-passes-senate"><span style="font-weight: 400;">See Senator Hastings’ press release.</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4456&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegID=165172&amp;SessionID=114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HB 4456</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Sponsored by Representative Laura Faver Dias and Senator Adriane Johnson, this legislation <strong>protects Illinois’ existing low-income discount rates for electric and gas utility service, expands eligibility for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and stops a 16 cent per bill increase in a rider on gas and electric bills</strong> from taking effect in 2027. Advocated for by the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies and Legal Action Chicago.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3925&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;LegID=167384&amp;SessionID=114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">SB 3925</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Sponsored by Senator Mike Porfirio and Representative Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, this legislation allows locally created Home Equity Assurance Commission to establish <strong>a program to provide a one-time per household direct relief payment to a member who owns a residence that is subject to flood damage.</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=5449&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegID=167326&amp;SessionID=114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HB 5449</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Sponsored by Representative Rita Mayfield and Senator Robert Martwick, this legislation makes changes to state law to <strong>require that condominium and other common interest community association boards provide more easily accessible association business and financial information</strong> to homeowners.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4896&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegID=166191&amp;SessionID=114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HB 4896</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Sponsored by Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Senator Robert Martwick, the bill <strong>will help a person who has inherited a property with other family members petition for sole ownership,</strong> if need be. For example, in cases where only one family member lives in the home, pays the bills and taxes and takes care of it. If one or more other family members has disappeared or just doesn’t engage, the person living in the home is often stuck—they can’t fix up the property, get a loan, or sell it without the permission of others. This legislation solves for this and related situations. Advocated for by Legal Action Chicago.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Protecting Against Discrimination</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3777&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;LegId=167092&amp;SessionID=114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">SB 3777</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Sponsored by Senator Adriane Johnson and Representative Justin Slaughter, this legislation <strong>expands “disparate impact” civil rights protections for Illinoisans in the areas of employment, public accommodations, and access to financial credit.</strong> These protections related to housing were previously </span><a href="https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-leads-coalition-to-combat-housing-discrimination-by-supporting-huds-discriminatory-effects-rule"><span style="font-weight: 400;">passed into law in 2024</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> through an effort led by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. Advocated for the Illinois Department of Human Rights and Disparate Impact Coalition, of which Housing Action Illinois is a member.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Support for Local Governments</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4571&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegID=165431&amp;SessionID=114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HB4571</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Sponsored by Representative Marti Deuter and Senator Laura Ellman, this legislation amends the Counties Code to <strong>allow DuPage and Will Counties to invest county financial resources in affordable and missing middle housing.</strong></span></li>
</ul></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>We encourage Governor Pritzker to sign all the state legislation summarized here into state law.</strong></p></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><strong>Still in Progress</strong></h1></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our <strong>legislation to restrict local Public Housing Authorities and private owners of federal subsidized housing from implementing a proposed federal rule allowing time limits and work requirements, </strong></span><a href="https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4377&amp;GAID=18&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=164950&amp;SessionID=114"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HB 4377</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, passed both chambers. However, on the final day of the session, additional good, but unrelated, housing provisions were added to the bill, which has slowed its passage. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thanks to Representative Maurice West, Senator Ram Villivalamam and Senator Graciela Guzmán, as well as Impact for Equity, for their work with us on this during the session. All have committed to helping us pass this bill before the end of the 104</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> General Assembly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We will also continue to work to pass legislation regulating enforcement of local so-called “crime-free housing and nuisance ordinances” and “camping ban” ordinances that criminalize people experiencing homelessness. We will also work with partners to increase support for Governor Pritzker’s BUILD proposal, particularly by supporting  thoughtfully designed provisions that will promote increasing the supply of housing overall, while also making sure local communities maintain tools to require affordability and protect existing community residents from displacement. </span></p></div>
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				<span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="578" height="141" src="https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/CapitolLine-1.png" alt="" title="CapitolLine" srcset="https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/CapitolLine-1.png 578w, https://housingactionil.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/CapitolLine-1-300x73.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px" class="wp-image-269860" /></span>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>Help us build on this momentum:</strong></h2>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://housingactionil.org/join-us/stay-in-touch/">Sign up for our policy alerts</a></li>
<li><a href="mailto:bob@housingactionil.org">Get in touch to work on specific campaigns</a></li>
<li><a href="https://housingactionil.org/donations/">Donate to support our work</a></li>
</ul></div>
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		<title>Take Action to Support the Development of Missing Middle Housing</title>
		<link>https://housingactionil.org/blog/2026/04/22/take-action-to-support-the-development-of-missing-middle-housing/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kristin Ginger]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:57:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Alerts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Updates]]></category>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Join us in taking action to support the development of more affordable housing in Illinois communities. The Senate Executive Committee will hear testimony on numerous bills that support housing access and affordability at 1:30 pm TOMORROW (Thursday, April 23).</p>
<p>This includes <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/Taabf0e00-1c22-4d8a-94e0-7e22a2c54a83/32b93bbc-a673-4ec1-88ae-86b80604de8e">SB 4060</a>, which will establish statewide zoning standards to allow for smaller, more affordable single family homes and other “Missing Middle Housing,” e.g., 2-4 flats, townhouses, and ADUs (accessory dwelling units).</p>
<p>Speak up for affordable housing by stating your support of SB 4060 today.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T508f24b3-5257-4f1f-9933-a7e73588a8be/32b93bbc-a673-4ec1-88ae-86b80604de8e">Filing a witness slip online takes less than 3 minutes »</a></strong></p></div>
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<h2></h2>
<h3><em><strong>How to File a Witness Slip:</strong></em></h3>
<p><em>If you are filing as an individual, write “Self” for “Firm/Business or Agency” and “Representation.”</em><br /><em>Under the Position section, use the drop down menu for “Add Subject Matter” and select &#8220;SB 4060&#8221; and then use the &#8220;Add Position&#8221; drop down menu to select “Proponent.” Double check to make sure you selected the correct options!</em><br /><em>Click the &#8220;Add Position” button, so that it shows “SB 4060 &#8211; Proponent” in the box to the right. If you made a mistake, click on the red “x” and start over. </em><br /><em>For Testimony, choose “Record of Appearance Only.”</em><br /><em>Agree to the &#8220;Terms of Agreement” and click on the &#8220;Create (Slip)&#8221; button.</em></p></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>More starter homes, townhomes, and three-flats—not McMansions.</strong></h2>
<p>Today, many municipalities ban smaller and even mid-sized homes, whether as detached single-family houses, townhomes, or two and three-flats. The result: fewer new homes overall, and the only new housing that&#8217;s allowed is the most expensive.</p>
<p>SB 4060, which is part of the <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T7c3fdf2c-5fca-421d-9d61-c7c3c3d8199c/32b93bbc-a673-4ec1-88ae-86b80604de8e">BUILD legislative package</a>, ensures that more reasonably priced kinds of homes aren&#8217;t banned entirely, while ensuring local control over design standards and health and safety reviews. Minimum standards adapt based on the size of a community&#8217;s lots, with single family homes allowed on smaller lots (under 2,500 square feet), four homes allowed on lots up to 5,000 square feet, six up to 7,500 square feet, and eight homes on the largest lots.</p>
<p>These rules encourage small-scale development that provides moderate-cost housing choices for young people, families, and seniors.</p></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>The BUILD plan offers common-sense reforms and investments to create more homes and bring down housing costs.</strong></h2>
<p>Housing Action Illinois and several of our partners are <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T83479e28-5f16-4a8e-a0db-166d88ceaf67/32b93bbc-a673-4ec1-88ae-86b80604de8e">dedicated to having this legislation move forward</a>; it represents a serious and necessary effort to create statewide alignment on our housing crisis, increase the supply of housing in our communities, and promote affordability. Collectively, the six bills that make up BUILD:</p>
<ul>
<li>Create statewide zoning standards to allow for smaller, more affordable single family homes and other “missing middle housing,” e.g., ADUs, 2-4 flats, townhouses, etc.</li>
<li>Streamline local permitting and approval processes, so that homes can be built faster and at a lower cost.</li>
<li>Modernize statewide rules on other issues, such as parking and building codes, to make it easier to create new homes.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have time, in addition to filing a witness slip in support of SB 4060, we encourage you to also submit a witness slip in support of the other bills in the BUILD package:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>SB 4061: Allow Single Stairway Buildings with Requirements to Ensure Safety</li>
<li>SB 4062: Standardize Impact Fees Charged by Local Governments</li>
<li>SB 4063: Allow Third-Party Review and Inspection to Reduce the Amount of Time it Takes to Evaluate Projects</li>
<li>SB 4064: Reduce Minimum Parking Space Requirements</li>
<li>SB 4071: Allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Single Family Zones</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T9ed8d607-4ab7-47db-993a-3015328a05fb/32b93bbc-a673-4ec1-88ae-86b80604de8e">Learn more about BUILD »</a></strong></p></div>
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		<title>Sign-On Letter: Oppose HUD&#8217;s Proposed Work Requirements &#038; Time Limits</title>
		<link>https://housingactionil.org/blog/2026/04/20/organizational-sign-on-letter-tell-hud-to-keep-immigrant-families-together/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kristin Ginger]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:58:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Alerts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Updates]]></category>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong><span style="color: #a22b38;"><em>Deadline: All comments must be submitted by April 21, 2026.</em></span></strong></p>
<p>Housing Action Illinois is urging organizations across the state to sign on to a letter opposing HUD’s proposed rule that would allow Public Housing Authorities and Project-Based Rental Assistance owners to impose work requirements and time limits on assisted households.</p>
<p>A recent analysis estimates that a two-year time limit <strong>could result in 3.3 million people losing rental assistance, including 1.7 million children.</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T03b42ff8-d76d-435f-a039-736145e33be4/f1d76ef7-5e63-4338-94c8-f7abf654548a"><strong>Read the letter and sign on »</strong></a></p>
<p>Key concerns outlined in the letter include:</p>
<ul>
<li>The rule is unnecessary and unlawful: Most non-disabled residents without young children in federally assisted housing are already working, and HUD does not have the legal authority to impose these requirements—only Congress does.</li>
<li>Housing providers are not equipped to effectively implement work requirements: Successful programs require robust employment services, education and training opportunities, family supports, and clear exemptions. These are resources most providers do not have.</li>
<li>The rule would increase housing instability and homelessness: Time limits would primarily affect working households whose wages are still too low to afford rent.</li>
<li>The impact on Illinois would be significant: Increased housing instability would place additional strain on already overburdened emergency rental assistance programs, shelters, and other emergency services.</li>
</ul>
<p>We’re asking organizations to sign on to our comment letter urging HUD to rescind this harmful rule and instead maintain current policy, which allows mixed-status families to live together in HUD funded housing.</p>
<p><strong>Deadline to sign on: 5:00 pm CT on Thursday, April 30, 2026.</strong></p>
<p>Add your organization’s name by <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T9294832f-46a1-49bd-b824-194986b644cf/f1d76ef7-5e63-4338-94c8-f7abf654548a">completing this form</a> and clicking submit.</p>
<p>If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.</p>
<p>Thank you for taking action. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Not able to sign on for an organization?</strong></em></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Individuals can also submit comments via <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T32b46995-bb16-467c-9471-202e819f17f8/f1d76ef7-5e63-4338-94c8-f7abf654548a">regulations.gov</a>. HUD must read and account for comments in a published final rule. Find step-by-step instructions on how to submit comments <a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/Td2de22a2-a207-45fb-a0b1-5513731e96a6/f1d76ef7-5e63-4338-94c8-f7abf654548a">here</a>.</em></p>
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		<title>Organizational Sign-On Letter to Tell HUD: Keep Families Together</title>
		<link>https://housingactionil.org/blog/2026/04/08/organizational-sign-on-letter-to-tell-hud-keep-families-together/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kristin Ginger]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:27:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Alerts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advocacy Updates]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://housingactionil.org/?p=519827</guid>

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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Housing Action Illinois invites organizations across the state to <strong>sign on to a letter opposing HUD’s proposal to put mixed-status families living in HUD-funded housing at risk.</strong></p>
<p>In February, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a proposed rule that targets mixed immigration status families (households with members who are both eligible and ineligible based on immigration status) who receive HUD-funded housing.<strong><a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T508f24b3-5257-4f1f-9933-a7e73588a8be/32b93bbc-a673-4ec1-88ae-86b80604de8e"></a></strong></p>
<p><a href="https://default.salsalabs.org/T5ac12595-b75d-4f62-abf2-fff612aa4496/e76616f1-a332-417a-a4c9-dfa839399690"><strong>Add your organization today »</strong></a></p></div>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Currently, federal law and longstanding HUD policy allows for mixed-status families to live under the same roof and receive HUD subsidies for only those members of the family who are eligible based on immigration status. <strong>The proposed rule would eliminate this assistance, requiring families to either separate or face potential eviction and housing instability.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Additionally, through the proposed processes, many more people, including U.S. citizens, would have to verify their citizenship by providing specific documentation.</strong></p>
<p>This rule will:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Affect and potentially harm 198,000 households in Illinois that rely on HUD housing</strong></li>
<li>Cost Illinois and other states millions of dollars because of the increase of homelessness and administrative burden</li>
<li>Create additional burdens for affordable housing providers and require the use of money they don’t have to comply</li>
<li>Particularly affect families, persons with disabilities, older adults, survivors of gender-based violence, and people of color</li>
</ul>
<p>The proposed rule mandates that all HUD-assisted housing providers require that every applicant, including U.S. Citizens, verify their status through the Department of Homeland Security’s notoriously unreliable SAVE systems, creating additional hurdles for applicants.</p>
<p>We’re asking organizations to sign on to our comment letter urging HUD to rescind this harmful rule and instead maintain current policy, which allows mixed-status families to live together in HUD funded housing.</p>
<p><strong>The deadline to add your organization&#8217;s name to our letter is 5:00 pm CT on Monday, April 20, 2026.</strong></p></div>
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