Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) doesn't support landlords being required to use Section 8 funding. | File Photo
Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) doesn't support landlords being required to use Section 8 funding. | File Photo
Hundreds of millions in federal aid was disbursed from the Illinois Housing Development Authority to tenants and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic, and landlords in Illinois have not been legally allowed to evict tenants for over a year since the pandemic began.
State Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) says that landlords should not be required to use federal money, though, and spoke out against a state bill that would require them to do so.
"It's forcing relationships that are required by the state now," Chesney said April 22. "It has nothing to do with discrimination. It's already illegal right now to discriminate."
Chesney said his position deals with consumer choice, a forced public-private partnership despite the existence of Section 8 Housing and other federal housing programs, and the public sector intentionally seizing private property.
"If you are a mom-and-pop landlord and you own one property, you are now required to work with the federal government on Section 8 housing vouchers if every other parameter is met," Chesney said.
The Freeport lawmaker said he's most upset that a Republican former lieutenant governor is sponsoring the bill.
"That is the most outrageous piece of legislation I've ever seen a Republican support," he said.
Chesney called the bill bad, failed Rauner-Sanguinetti policy.
"I strongly urge a no vote," the Republican said.
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