Illinois REALTORS® recapped legislative successes on issues like retainage and the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act and they identified ongoing challenges with issues like rent control during the Public Policy and Member Involvement Group Forum Thursday afternoon in Lombard.

The forum occurred at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center during the second day of the Illinois REALTORS® Fall Business Meetings.

Senior Vice President Governmental Affairs Greg St. Aubin praised the team effort needed to defeat a retainage bill which was eventually vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner. “We used all the tools in our toolbox,” said St. Aubin, who received support from organizations that could have been directly or indirectly affected by the legislation. “You just don’t get that many opportunities for people to stand up with you.”

Public Policy and Member Involvement Group Chair Tim Ryan complimented members of the Illinois REALTORS® staff for creating a reasonable compromise on the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act.

Associate General Counsel and Director of Legal Services Jeffrey T. Baker and St. Aubin said the association has ideas for a legislative rewrite of the Real Estate License Act, but how those negotiations fare will ultimately depend on the outcome of the November elections.

With many new legislators coming on board next year due to retirements and election results, the lobbying team will work hard to establish good relationships and provide helpful background information to the newcomers, said St. Aubin. Rent control is expected to be a hot topic next year in several areas of the state, especially Chicago.

Members heard reports from the local Governmental Affairs Directors, Chair of the Housing Opportunity Working Group Zeke Morris, and REALTORS® Political Involvement Working Group Chair Tom Krettler, and NAR Field Representative Jack Greacen.