Illinois REALTORS® met with U.S. Rep. John Shimkus on April 24, 2014, in Effingham. Pictured, left to right, are Doug Hartman Sr., a REALTOR® and Federal Political Coordinator; Congressman Shimkus; and Phil Chiles, president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS®.

The second of three Let’s Talk Real Estate events this week  took place Thursday, April 24, 2014 in Effingham with U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville.

Shimkus represents the 15th Congressional District, which includes a wide swath of southern Illinois. Shimkus serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and chairs the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.

Doug Hartmann Sr., with Century 21 Hartmann REALTORS® in Collinsville, facilitated the discussion with Shimkus. He serves as a Federal Political Coordinator, a role which has him act as a liaison with the congressman on issues of interest to Illinois REALTORS®.

More than 40 REALTORS® throughout the district attended the event, which covered topics including data security, mortgage affordability and tax policy.  Shimkus encouraged the crowd to stay engaged at the local level where topics like energy efficiency and fire sprinkler requirements can have a major impact on the affordability of a home.

The Let’s Talk series, which began last year, features discussions with federal lawmakers on real estate policy. The sessions also allow REALTORS® to share information about local market conditions.

REALTORS® met with U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam on Tuesday. A third Let’s Talk event will be held Friday with U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez in Chicago.

For more information, go here.