SPRINGFIELD – Legislation protecting consumers from deceptive leases passed the Illinois Senate today. Senate bill 885 would protect renters from “Rent-to-own” schemes that are often fraught with deceptive terms and conditions that can be costly to consumers.

In a survey of housing counselors around the state conducted by Housing Action Illinois, only 12% of counselors reported that they felt that people considering rent-to-own homeownership opportunities well understand the differences between rent-to-own and homeownership with a mortgage.

The new legislation would seek to address that lack of understanding by creating the Installment Sales Contract Act. Among the new protections is a requirement that a payment schedule is to be given to the buyer prior to closing, a prohibition on prepayment penalties and a requirement for a written contract with information about ballooning payments.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), the legislation’s sponsor, issued the following statement following the passage of SB 885:

“Consumers should have as much information as possible when making one of the most important decisions of their lives. The deceptive practices often found in ‘rent-to-own’ contracts set renters up for a rude awakening. That is why we crafted legislation that seeks to bring more transparency and information to the process.”

The measure now moves on to the House of Representatives.

SPRINGFIELD – A new Department of Corrections facility would help women who have been incarcerated return to their communities under legislation being considered at the Senate.

The facility, known as the Peoria Women’s Community Transformation Center, will provide housing, case management, social and educational services, hands-on training in construction skills and other types of vocational training, plus a pool of jobs created through the work of the Community Transformation Institute and its partners.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is the sponsor of the legislation that would create the facility.

“As we start to understand more and more about recidivism, we must create programs that will make it easier for people to reintegrate into society,” Koehler said. “This facility will provide a safe environment where women can learn skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.”

Senator Koehler has worked with Rev. Tony Pierce to make the facility a reality.

“I want to thank Senator Koehler for sponsoring this measure that is vital to the Peoria community and Illinois in general,” Pierce said. “With more people coming out of jail as we try to address overcrowded prisons, they will fall prey to recidivism without programs in place like the Women’s Community Transformation Center.”

The facility will be located at the Travelodge Hotel on Brandywine Drive in Peoria. The facility will serve as a post-sentence option for women who will be more successful in their transition to society if they are involved in a holistic, case-managed, graduated re-entry program.

Senate bill 740 is currently in a key Senate budget committee.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation that would extend the homestead property tax exemption to individuals in supportive living facilities was passed in the Illinois Senate today. Senate Bill 1887 would extend the property tax homestead exemption to seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities living in a supportive living program

Currently, an individual can be awarded the homestead exemption when they become a resident of a nursing home and still own their original place of residence.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is the legislation’s sponsor.

“This is a crucial step in guaranteeing that our citizens are being treated fairly by the tax system,” Koehler said. “That is why I believe we should extend this exemption to individuals in assisted living facilities the same way we do for nursing homes.”

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives.

“Providing funds for libraries that foster growth and education will be beneficial for generations to come.” - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

PEORIA – The Creve Coeur Public Library will receive a grant from the Illinois State Library, according to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s office. The library will receive $35,000 to assist with construction costs after being recommended by a statewide committee.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) represents Creve Coeur in the Senate.

“This grant is great news for the Creve Coeur community,” Koehler said. “Providing funds for libraries that foster growth and education will be beneficial for generations to come.”

The grant is being awarded to the Creve Coeur Public Library is through the Live and Learn Construction Grant Program. Grants are awarded by the Illinois secretary of state based on recommendations from a statewide committee following a review process.

The Illinois secretary of state also serves as the state librarian.