- Published: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 08:36 PM
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas is proud to highlight investments to many programs for the community of the 20th District from the supplemental budget recently passed by the Illinois State Senate—including a mutli-million dollar investment to a local organization fighting gentrification in Chicago neighborhoods.
“Housing insecurity is a major issue impacting folks in my community and across the state,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “I am thrilled that we are not only making investments to address housing insecurity, but that funding is going directly to community-led organizations who witness these issues firsthand and are best equipped to support people experiencing this.”
The supplemental budget provides $75 million for housing programs at the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). $5 million of this funding will go to the Here to Stay Community Land Trust—an anti-displacement effort created by neighbors in Logan Square, Avondale and Hermosa to fight gentrification and keep housing affordable.
Additionally, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency will receive $162 million to help support people seeking asylum in Illinois, with an additional $20 million for the City of Chicago’s initiatives to support people seeking asylum.
“Our neighbors and local organizations showed up to welcome people seeking asylum over the summer, but there is always more we can do to help people find permanent housing, jobs, health care and schools,” Pacione-Zayas said. “This budget allocation will help folks get connected to these essential resources, and support the hardworking people who are supporting asylum seekers get settled in our community.”
$3 million will also be allocated to state designated cultural districts—which Pacione-Zayas helped to establish a designation process in the past General Assembly.
“The purpose of state designated cultural districts is to spur economic development through cultural institutions and innovative strategies to stabilize communities experiencing displacement and gentrification,” Pacione-Zayas said. “Their legacy needs to be preserved, and investing in these communities will help provide support so that they can continue to flourish.”
The supplemental budget, filed under House Bill 969, passed the Senate on Jan. 10, 2023. It now goes to the House for further consideration.
