Nearly 70 REALTORS® met with U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly this week to discuss issues affecting the real estate industry and private property owners during Let’s Talk Real Estate events organized by Illinois REALTORS®.

Thursday, about 40 REALTORS® gathered in Schaumburg to talk about reductions in the state and local tax deductions allowed on federal tax returns, legislative gridlock in Washington, D.C., government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) reform, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reform and the powers of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

“Congressman Krishnamoorthi is very supportive and understanding of Illinois REALTORS®’ efforts to promote home ownership and address issues we are facing, especially health insurance, flood insurance and $10,000 property tax cap,” said Illinois REALTORS® Federal Political Coordinator Kinga Korpacz, who moderated the discussion. “He understands and has witnessed the effect of tax reform bill, sees that property values are depreciating, and sales are down on properties with property taxes of more than $10,000.”

Korpacz, a broker for Exit Realty Redefined in Rolling Meadows, also asked fellow REALTORS® to provide market updates for Krishnamoorthi. Also on hand were Illinois REALTORS® Director of Grassroots and Political Programs Neil Malone and Local Governmental Affairs Director Jeff Merrinette, who serves members in the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® (MORe) in DuPage County and parts of western and northwest suburban Cook County.

Krishnamoorthi represents constituents in Illinois’ 8th district, which includes the Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Elgin, Bartlett, Carol Stream, Lombard, Elmhurst and Addison communities.

Friday at the Glenwoodie Golf Club in Glenwood, about 35 REALTORS® asked Kelly questions and shared opinions about NFIP reform, healthcare, public infrastructure and reforms for GSEs like Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae.

Illinois REALTORS® Federal Political Coordinator Tonya Corder, a broker for Century 21 Affiliated in Homewood, served as moderator. Also, in attendance were Malone and Local Governmental Affairs Director Tom Joseph, who serves members in the Kankakee-Iroquois-Ford Association of REALTORS® and MORe members in South Suburban Cook County and the LaGrange area in western Cook County.

“It is very important that our member’s concerns, issues and suggestions are not only heard but are also responded to by our elected officials,” said Corder. “Robin is very good at listening to what her constituents are saying and thoughtfully working on solutions.”

Kelly represents constituents in parts of Cook and Will counties as well as all of Kankakee County. The district’s northern border is 53rd Street in Chicago, its eastern border is the Illinois-Indiana state line, and its southern border extends past Kankakee.