A HOUSE COMMITTEE IS LOOKING AT THE BEST WAY TO SPEND FEDERAL AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN MONEY TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN ILLINOIS. 

THIS WEEK’S HEARING FOCUSED ON HELPING PEOPLE BUY AND MAINTAIN A HOME. SHEILA SUTTON WITH HOUSING ACTION ILLINOIS SAYS MORE DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE IS A GOOD PLACE TO START.

SUTTON SAYS THIS IS ESPECIALLY HELPFUL IN MINORITY COMMUNITIES AND RURAL AREAS. HER GROUP ALSO RECOMMENDS USING FEDERAL FUNDS FOR HOME REPAIR ASSISTANCE AND LOAN COUNSELING. CHICAGO REALTOR MABEL GUZMAN TOOK A DIFFERENT ANGLE AT THE HEARING, SAYING THERE’S NOT ENOUGH AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO MEET THE NEED IN ILLINOIS.

OTHERS TALKED ABOUT HELPING HOMEOWNERS HAVING TROUBLE PAYING THEIR PROPERTY TAXES.