Rep. Deanne Mazzochi said that over the past month, through the Housing Committee, she has met with lawmakers to discuss how ARPA funds can be distributed, and she thinks housing is a viable option. | Deanne Mazzochi's Facebook page
Rep. Deanne Mazzochi said that over the past month, through the Housing Committee, she has met with lawmakers to discuss how ARPA funds can be distributed, and she thinks housing is a viable option. | Deanne Mazzochi's Facebook page
Homelessness is an issue nationwide that more than 10,000 Illinois residents are experiencing, according to Housing Action Illinois. Government officials are calling funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA() to alleviate the problem.
Rep. Deanne Mazzochi said that over the past month, through the Housing Committee, she has met with lawmakers to discuss how ARPA funds can be distributed, and she thinks housing is a viable option.
“Through these ARPA funds, we clearly have an opportunity to engage in real-world, long-lasting housing infrastructure improvements,” Mazzochi said on Facebook. “These hearings have clarified where there is clear bipartisan support and it is in those areas that will produce long-term results that should focus.”
Mazzochi also said she met recently with representatives from A Safe Haven Foundation, who brought to her attention that Illinois received a $2 billion dollar federal Medicaid waiver under then-governor Bruce Rauner to support mental health and substance abuse recovery housing. However, she claims that the Pritzker Administration has yet to do anything with the funds.
“We should take this opportunity to be comprehensive about our housing insecurity approach, so that not only are we maximizing housing improvements through one-time funds, but we’re removing barriers that keep people from home ownership and areas of government regulation that are driving people from their homes,” Mazzochi wrote.
According to the Lake County Gazette, State Rep. Chris Los has criticized Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s use of the ARPA funds, saying he has used $4.8 billion in “pet projects.”
According to week.com advocates of prison reform, they want the state to put some of its $8.2 billion in funding towards a housing program for formerly incarcerated people who are reentering society. Accessibility advocates are concerned that many people with disabilities are not able to afford ADA-compliant housing. Some have recommended using funds to add ramps, lower sinks, and other accessible features to more buildings. Others suggest using funds for refugee housing.
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