Schakowsky, Gutiérrez, Quigley send letter to Director Mel Watt about Affordable Housing in Chicago
Today, Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Luis Gutiérrez and Mike Quigley sent Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mel Watt a letter asking that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac not sell foreclosed properties in specific Chicago neighborhoods until a meeting is held to ensure continued access to affordable housing in those neighborhoods. The letter is attached. The Representatives issued the following statement regarding their request
Illinois median home prices increase 4.5 percent in September
Tighter inventory was a factor driving home prices higher in September while home sales showed an annual decline, according to the Illinois Association of REALTORS®.
Governor Quinn Breaks Ground on First Veterans Home in Chicago
Governor Pat Quinn today broke ground on the $70.5 million Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago. The 200-bed facility will be the fifth veterans’ home in the state and the first in Chicago. Today’s action is part of Governor Quinn’s longstanding commitment to honor and support the men and women who have served our nation.
Jim Kinney of Chicago Installed as President of the Illinois Association of REALTORS®
REALTOR® Jim Kinney, ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI, of Chicago has been installed as the 2015 President of the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. He is Vice-President of Luxury Home Sales for Baird & Warner in Chicago.
Hultgren Supports Legislation to Protect Community Banks
U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) this week voted to support two bills which will relieve community banks from excessive regulations and protect their ability to lend to Illinois homeowners. H.R. 4042, the Community Bank Mortgage Service Asset Capital Requirements Study Act of 2014, and H.R. 5148, the Access to Affordable Mortgages Act of 2014, both passed the House Financial Services Committee (FSC), of which Rep. Hultgren is a member.
Illinois home sales see slight uptick in June; Prices continue annual upward trend
Illinois home sales reversed course in June with statewide home sales experiencing a slight year-over-year gain for the first time this year. Home prices continued to climb and marked the 22nd consecutive month of annual increases, according to the Illinois Association of REALTORS
SENATOR DURBIN, GOVERNOR QUINN, MAYOR EMANUEL AND COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT PRECKWINKLE ANNOUNCE MORE...
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced that the Chicago area has been awarded a total of $31.475 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs’ (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program. This funding was made available through the FY2013 Sandy Supplemental Appropriations Bill, passed by Congress last year, and is part of a third allocation for communities that are continuing recovery efforts following severe storms and flooding that began on April 18, 2013.
Governor Quinn Cuts Property Leases to Achieve Additional $55 Million in Savings
As part of his ongoing budget review, Governor Quinn today announced that the state of Illinois had again cut property leases to save an additional $55 million by continuing to downsize the space it leases in the upcoming fiscal year. This brings the total savings accomplished since the Governor took office to $220 million in property leases through consolidation, elimination or negotiation – roughly the equivalent of space in Chicago's Trump
On 70th Anniversary of GI Bill, Foster Urges Congress To Act To Insure All...
This Sunday, June 22, will mark the 70th anniversary of the GI Bill, which has given returning veterans a hand up with educational benefits, home loans and other services. The GI Bill has been one of the most successful pieces of legislation in our country’s history, growing our economy and helping veterans assimilate into civilian life. However, one glitch in the law is causing veterans to be denied the benefits they deserve
Congresswoman Duckworth Announces Federal Grant for DuPage Homeownership Center
Today, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the DuPage Homeownership Center an $18,183 grant to support their efforts in providing a wide variety of housing counseling services to homebuyers, homeowners, low-to moderate-income renters, and the homeless. This funding will assist the DuPage Homeownership Center in improving financial literacy, expanding homeownership opportunities, providing accessibility to affordable housing, and preserving homeownership.
Quigley Fights to Expand Affordable Housing and Protect Vital Infrastructure Investments
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) fought to expand federal housing assistance and protect funding and eligibility for vital infrastructure programs that improve the economy and support local communities, including projects in Chicago and Cook County. His efforts come as the House Appropriations Committee considers the FY15 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill Fisher Investments Jay Carlson
Foster Supports Bipartisan Legislation To Maintain And Develop Waterways Infrastructure
Washington, DC - May 21, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) voted for H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). The legislation will now be sent to the Senate for a final vote. WRRDA authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to construct and maintain infrastructure on the Inland Waterways System. Several facilities in Illinois’ 11th District are funded through WRRDA, including the Brandon Road Lock and Dam
Kirk Votes to End Housing Bailouts
WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 16, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) released the following statement today prior to the banking subcommittee's markup of Chairman Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) and Ranking Member Mike Crapo's (R-Idaho) housing reform legislation
Kirk Tours Disabled Vet’s Home, Touts Support for HAVEN Act
LA GRANGE, Ill. - May 12, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- As veterans continue to return home with service-related injuries and disabilities, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today visited a newly refurbished home in La Grange, Ill., to announce his support for S. 1387, the HAVEN Act. This bill will create a pilot program under the Department of Housing and Urban Development to enhance ongoing efforts by nonprofit organizations that repair and refurbish homes for disabled and low-income veterans. These public-private partnerships will require a 50 percent match by the organization receiving the funds.
Redeploy Illinois Program Diverts Thousands of Youth From Prison System, Saves State $60 Million
CHICAGO - April 23, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The state of Illinois has diverted thousands of youth from prison and onto the right path, while saving $60 million in incarceration costs, according to the 2012-2013 Redeploy Illinois annual report recently released by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS