REALTORS® from Cook County’s west side gathered at the Stan Mansion in Chicago today to discuss real estate-related issues with U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García.

Garcia served as guest speaker in the first of a series of “Let’s Talk Real Estate” events for Illinois REALTORS®, while Chicago-area REALTOR® and Federal Political Coordinator Sonia Anaya served as the facilitator. Topics included changes to the: National Flood Insurance Program, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Government Sponsored Enterprises, health insurance, tax reform and the Qualified Business Income Deduction.

Garcia represents about 700,000 constituents of Illinois’ Fourth Congressional District in Washington, D.C., and just began his first term. Prior to his election to Congress, he served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, state senator of Illinois’ First District and alderman of Chicago’s 22^nd Ward.

Anaya is the broker-owner of America Real Estate in Chicago.

(l to r) Neil Malone, U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García and REALTOR® Sonia Anaya.

Others on hand for the event included Illinois REALTORS® Director of Grassroots and Political Programs Neil Malone and Illinois REALTORS® Local Governmental Affairs Directors Brian Bernardoni and Jeff Merrinette. Bernardoni serves the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and its West Towns Chapter, while Merrinette works with the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® in DuPage County and some western and northwestern parts of suburban Cook County.

Illinois REALTORS® has scheduled five “Let’s Talk Real Estate” events for members to attend in April. The association’s members plan to meet with other Congressional representatives in the months ahead.

In each instance, U.S. representatives and their Illinois REALTORS® federal political coordinator meet with REALTORS® to discuss current issues affecting private property owners and REALTORS®.

Next week, Let’s Talk Real Estate events will include U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood, Dan Lipinski, Danny Davis and Sean Casten.