CHICAGO – This week, in the Hermosa (Spanish for "beautiful") neighborhood of Chicago, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law House Bill 2877, which creates the framework for Illinois to use federal funding to assist renters and property owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Illinois Rental Payment Program will distribute over $1 billion in funding to support residents experiencing housing distress.

“Today is a beautiful day. It’s a day to celebrate because this funding brings the sense of hope many families desperately need,” Aquino said. “Families will be able to remain together, stay in their homes, and have some comfort because of this law.”

The new law offers stability to residents under financial and housing distress. Also, the funding will help the capital to keep the housing market stable, preventing large numbers of evictions and mortgage defaults.

“I want to thank State Representative Delia Ramirez and my colleagues of the Illinois Latino Caucus for your hard work. Now, let’s make sure that people go online and apply for rental assistance. These public dollars need to go back into your communities, so we can save people’s homes and bring hope to our communities,” Aquino said.