Senate Democrats Advocate for Housing Access and Affordability

Why has housing become one of the biggest affordability issues facing Illinois families? In this episode, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus discuss a new legislative package focused on expanding housing supply, reducing barriers to development, protecting renters, and addressing the growing role of private equity in the housing market.

Hunter opens pathways to affordable, diverse housing opportunities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading sweeping legislation that would reform exclusionary zoning laws and open new pathways for affordable, diverse housing across the state.

“Underserved communities across Illinois have been bearing the weight of the housing crisis for years," said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 640 gives us the tools to build more housing in more places – and to do it in a way that is fair, transparent and enforceable.”

The measure would require local governments across Illinois to allow middle housing – such as duplexes, triplexes, and similar multi-unit buildings – in single-family zoning districts, while giving municipalities the option to set their own design standards – or default to state standards – governing things like building height, setbacks and lot coverage.

Read more: Hunter opens pathways to affordable, diverse housing opportunities

Guzmán champions human rights protections for tenants who are survivors of gender based violence

SPRINGFIELD – In the fight for affordable housing for all people in Illinois, State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to provide human rights protections to prospective tenants who are survivors of gender-based violence passed the Senate Executive Committee.

“When we talk about housing, we are not just talking about buildings or leases,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “We are talking about safety. We are talking about dignity. We are talking about whether people have a real chance to rebuild their lives.”

Senate Bill 330 would provide that it is a civil rights violation to unlawfully discriminate against a prospective tenant because of a person's history of experiencing domestic or sexual violence. According to Illinois Legal Aid, people who have survived domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault might also face barriers to their housing because of these abuses. People who rent their homes are three times more likely to face violence than people who own their homes.

Read more: Guzmán champions human rights protections for tenants who are survivors of gender based violence

Faraci celebrates groundbreaking on Champaign-Urbana inclusive recreation area

CHAMPAIGN - State Senator Paul Faraci highlighted the start of construction on a new inclusive special recreation area that will serve people of all abilities – funded in part with a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that Faraci strongly supported.

“Open Space and Land Acquisition Development funding is essential not only for improving our communities’ local infrastructure, but also for ensuring residents have access to reliable outdoor recreation areas,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I am proud to support the OSLAD program to continue securing state funding for projects in East Central Illinois, providing our community members with accessible, safe green spaces for families with a range of needs to enjoy.”

Read more: Faraci celebrates groundbreaking on Champaign-Urbana inclusive recreation area