New Nichols-Supported Law Expands Rental Assistance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To ensure that residents are not struggling to keep a roof over their head, state Rep. Cyril Nichols, D-Chicago, helped pass legislation expanding eligibility for rental assistance.

“After a year in which many residents were hit hard by the economic fallout created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must do everything we can to help residents secure basic needs such as shelter,” said Nichols. “There are few things more important than having access to affordable housing, and this legislation ensures we are helping as many people as possible not struggle to find or stay in their home.”

Nichols voted in favor of House Bill 648, which was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The law increases how much a renter can make to be eligible to receive subsidized rent from the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s (IHDA) Rental Assistance Program. This increase ensures that additional families will receive rental support and get the help they need.

“It is our duty to do everything we can to help our residents get by, especially during these unprecedently difficult times,” said Nichols. “We cannot allow people to get priced out of their homes, and I will continue to work in Springfield to ensure everyone has access to affordable housing.”