Mason-Supported Budget to Provide COVID-19 Housing Relief

GURNEE, Ill. – Households struggling to make rent or mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic will see some relief under the new state budget backed by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, and recently signed into law.

“This crisis has caused financial hardships that were unthinkable to many of us just a few months ago. Now, nearly every area of our community has experienced widespread business closures and job losses,” Mason said. “Even with expanded unemployment benefits, many residents are still having to make tough decisions each month about which bills to pay and which to let go. When we returned to the capital, I knew that getting financial relief to those families had to be a top priority.”

Mason voted to approve Senate Bill 264, which appropriates $296 million from the State Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency Fund to the Illinois Housing Development Authority to help residents pay rent and home loan installments. The budget also commits $100 million in emergency housing funds to support residents who live in areas that have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“No one should lose their home because of this crisis, and these funds will go a long way in making sure that doesn’t happen,” Mason said. “I’m glad the governor signed this legislation into law, and I’m grateful for the critically-needed assistance it will provide to individuals and families throughout our community.”