17th Annual MHO Day April 26, 2017 – A Success
On April 26th manufactured home-owners throughout the State ascended the steps of the State Capitol in Springfield to make their presence known to our legislators.
Yes! We are here again.
Homeowners answered the call, as they do each and every year to prove to elected officials the MHOAI grassroots organization is determined to get their voices heard.
And on April 26th legislators were reminded that our issues are not restricted to one community, county, or one group of people.
As people filed out of buses and walked from the parking lots to join together, our presence was a blunt reminder that we are not afraid to defend our communities, families, and lifestyles. Our presence was a reminder we are tracking how legislators vote in Springfield on issues that impact the daily life of their constituents. Homeowners were able to meet with other homeowners from different areas of the state sharing common interests and concerns. Homeowners then assembled into small groups to meet and leave material addressing our issues with the 59 senators and 118 state representatives and/or their staff. We were clearly seen in the galleries from the Senate floor when homeowners stood and Senator Melinda Bush recognized the Manufactured Home Owners Association of Illinois.
Educating legislators of unique issues that arise when you own a home but lease the land under it is an annual responsibility.
This years goal is to continue working towards the passage of SB 569 along with other issues seeking a fair balance between landlords and homeowner security. We were there to once again remind our elected officials (that) the word affordable needs to be kept in “affordable housing”. For seniors on fixed incomes or those employed in lower paying jobs, the gap between automatic Lease Rent increases and the ability to meet everyday expenses grows wider everyday in Illinois.
Those attending MHOAI Day returned home knowing they made a difference and an enormous positive impact. Our elected officials were able to put a face on our concerns and a focus on our issues. We want to thank the many volunteers who donated their time and energy to organize Manufactured Homeowners Day. We want to thank everyone who took the time to travel to Springfield allowing such a great turn out.
The positive impact of our day also brought with it two new Senate Sponsors signing on to SB-569 after meeting with our homeowners.