Updated: Apr 24, 2021
January 21, 2021 - SPRINGFIELD, Ill.
Thursday morning Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced the members of his House Democratic leadership team, a diverse set of legislators to advance the policies of his new administration. State Representative Delia C. Ramirez, D-Chicago, has been appointed to the role of Assistant Majority Leader.
Some highlights of Rep. Ramirez’ work during her first full term in the General Assembly include:
● Championing housing rights at the state level where her advocacy has led to 1) securing $200 million for the development of affordable housing in the 2019 Capital budget 2) appropriating $396 million for emergency rental and mortgage assistance during the Spring 2020 emergency legislative session and 3) passing emergency legislation in the House that would protect people at risk of losing their homes during the pandemic;
● Fighting for immigrant communities, specifically leading on a historic measure to become the first state in the country to expand healthcare access to undocumented seniors;
● Protecting children and families as the Acting Chair of the Adoption and Child Welfare Committee, and by leading a statewide Task Force to address issues that impact Children of Incarcerated Parents.
“I am honored to work with Speaker Welch as he begins the hard job of leading our chamber and state through this difficult moment. I am thankful to my Latino Caucus colleagues who have entrusted me with this responsibility. We accomplished historic and much needed reforms advancing equity, opportunity, and justice in our state during the lame duck session. With Speaker Welch’s leadership and his commitment to collaboration, diversity, and transparency, it is my hope that we can deliver even more for the people of Illinois.” Ramirez said.
“Our state is in desperate straits as we grapple with multiple crises, and our residents need immediate relief and proactive policy solutions. I am ready and eager to do my part to tackle these challenges in service of the millions of Illinoisians depending on us.”
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Updated: Apr 24, 2021
January 14, 2021 - SPRINGFIELD, Ill.
State Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago, was sworn in for her second term as State Representative for the 4th Illinois House District this Wednesday at the conclusion of the lame duck session, during which her work focused primarily on housing security and criminal justice reform.
Ramirez released the following statement:
“Over these last days of the previous legislative session, Illinois has made tremendous progress towards a more just and hopeful future, in large part through correcting the mistakes of our past. I first wish to congratulate State Representative Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch on his election to House Speaker this Wednesday. He is an experienced, fair, collaborative, and grounded leader, with a record of progressive advocacy for all Illinoisians. The inauguration of the first Black Speaker in Illinois’ 202-year history is a promising move for our state, that I am proud to have had a role in. Empowering leaders of color at all levels of government is an essential aspect in achieving racial equality.
“Still, Illinois undoubtedly grapples with a crisis of systemic racism. That is why new legislation reforming our criminal justice system is so necessary. For far too long, black and brown members of our communities have endured prejudice and unequal treatment by law enforcement and our justice system. I am especially encouraged by the passage of the Pretrial Fairness Act, which will end cash bail in Illinois; a practice which packed our jails with countless people not convicted of a crime, most of whom are Black and Latinx.
“We have also achieved reforms expanding housing rights. SB1980, which passed as part of the Black Caucus economic justice pillar, will ensure that people with a record have fair access to public housing. I was proud to be the original sponsor of this important legislation."
"I am disappointed that SB3066, our desperately-needed emergency housing legislation to provide eviction protections and a stay on foreclosure proceedings, was not called for a vote by Senate leadership. I am grateful for the overwhelming support shown by my colleagues in the House, however, and will make sure this is a top priority for the 102nd General Assembly. This session has overall yielded significant progress for housing rights in Illinois and I look forward to building on this work in the coming session.”
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Updated: Apr 24, 2021
January 8, 2021 - SPRINGFIELD, Ill.
In order to reduce hardship for the many families increasingly struggling to stay in their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, State Representatives Delia C. Ramirez and Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, in partnership with State Senators Robert Peters and Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, have introduced SB3066 House Amendment 4, emergency housing legislation to be considered during the lame duck legislative session. The bill legislates an eviction moratorium, creates a process to seal evictions during the pandemic period, extends foreclosure protections, and gives guidance to state agencies on administering the $800 million in Emergency Rental Assistance which Illinois will receive through the most recent stimulus.
“The personal and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to harm everyday people throughout our neighborhoods,” said Peters. “Among those heavily impacted are renters and homeowners across the country and state, who are struggling to make ends meet. With the onset of a new session, I will work with advocates and colleagues to advance and prioritize emergency housing legislation that will address our escalating housing crisis.”
Said Villivalam, "As the pandemic continues into the winter months, it is more important than ever to protect housing for working families. My office and I have spoken with and helped hundreds of constituents facing difficulty. No one should be forced out of their home because of a lost job, illness or inability to pay rent during these difficult times."
“First and foremost, we are in a public health crisis and there is a critical need for people to remain safe and housed. We took a comprehensive approach with this legislation to make certain no one falls through the cracks and ends up on the street - with renters and homeowners front of mind” said LaPointe.
The proposed legislation includes:
● Eviction protections, including automatic sealing of evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic;
● Extension of an eviction moratorium through September 2021, modeled after the Governor’s current executive order;
● Guidelines for administering the Emergency Rental Assistance which the state and local municipalities will receive through the latest federal stimulus;
● A stay on foreclosure proceedings for homeowners and small landlords impacted by the pandemic.
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