HR0724 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0724 LRB099 13721 MST 37683 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Housing authorities and landlords can legally evict tenants if they do not pay their utilities, regardless of rent payment; and

WHEREAS, The Supplemental Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help individuals survive extreme summer and winter temperatures - it prevents deaths and excessive emergency room hospitalizations and other public health costs often associated with heat-related illnesses; over 171,000 Illinois households rely on LIHEAP to provide them with adequate levels of heating and cooling; and

WHEREAS, Governor Rauner has issued a directive to suspend the expenditure of State funds under LIHEAP; this directive is dangerous and prohibited under Illinois law; the Governor's actions will not save the State any money and could, in fact, significantly increase preventable public health costs; and

WHEREAS, Without the aid of LIHEAP, many families and seniors will be unable to pay their utility bills and could be subject to eviction based on the legal protection for landlords; and

WHEREAS, Further confusing the situation, LIHEAP is federally funded and that funding may not be distributed by Illinois State agencies without a State budget in place; and

WHEREAS, Cuts to LIHEAP put Illinois citizens in danger during extreme weather conditions and evicting them during this time puts them in further danger; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge housing authorities and landlords statewide not to evict tenants based on an inability to pay utilities alone in light of the State budget impasse and cuts to the LIHEAP program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to all housing authorities throughout the State.