From: State Representative Ruth Munson [mailto:info@ruthmunson.com]
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2007
To: info@ruthmunson.com
Subject: Capitol News
Governor Finally Takes Action on the Budget
The Governor has signed the state budget, vetoing nearly $500 million from the budget sent to him by the legislature. We are analyzing the 79-page veto message and will provide you with more information when the analysis is complete.
What's Next
The General Assembly is expected to return to Springfield after Labor Day to address the Amendatory Veto of the Budget and perhaps the CTA/RTA funding crisis.
On Another Note
Today the Governor signed SB 688, legislation that would protect prospective residents of manufactured home communities. It puts teeth into the current Mobil Home Park Act by allowing the Department of Public Health to impose fines for violations of health codes. The new law will:
- Require landlords to offer a 2-year written lease instead of the current 12 month-lease.
- Require 90 day’s notice for rent increase.
- Permit prospective tenants to cancel the lease within 3 business days.
- Allow temporary tenants to live in a home should the permanent tenant become ill or disabled.
- Create a one-year rent deferral program for those who can’t afford a rent increase and must sell their home.
- Disclose to prospective tenants the rent history for last 2 years and projected rental rate for the 2nd year of the lease.
- Notify tenants 12 months in advance of a park closure.
- Prohibit park owners from passing on penalties such as fines or attorney’s fees to the tenants.
- Return proceeds to the tenant for abandoned property if the park owner sells or leases that property.
While this law does NOT address the rent issues plaguing many of our residents who live in manufactured home communities, it does provide much needed consumer protections.
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Thanks for reading! And watch your e-mail for the next Capitol News! |
