[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 61 (Monday, April 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING APRIL AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH

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                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 2014

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as Fair 
Housing Month. April 11, 2014 marked the 46th anniversary of the 
passage of the U.S. Fair Housing Act, which enunciates a national 
policy of fair housing and bars discrimination based on race, color, 
religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. Decent, 
safe, and affordable housing is part of the American dream and a goal 
of all Illinois residents.
  This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the Illinois Human 
Rights Act, which bars discrimination based on race, color, religion, 
national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, familial status, 
age, ancestry, marital status, disability, military status or sexual 
orientation (including gender-based identity).
  Acts of housing discrimination and barriers to equal housing are 
repugnant to a common sense of decency and fairness. Federal and state 
laws affirm the right of every person to equal housing opportunity. 
Economic stability, community health, and human relations in all 
communities and the State of Illinois are improved by diversity and 
integration. Stable, integrated and balanced residential patterns are 
threatened by discriminatory acts and unlawful housing practices that 
result in segregation of residents and opportunities in Illinois 
communities.
  The hard work and commitment of grassroots and non-profit 
organizations, housing service providers, housing professionals, 
financial institutions, elected officials, state agencies and others 
must be combined to promote integration, fair housing, and equal 
opportunity and to address the immense challenge of ensuring that every 
person in Illinois has access to affordable housing.
  Again, I would like to recognize April 2014 as Fair Housing Month in 
commemoration of the signing of the U.S. Fair Housing Act and the 
Illinois Human Rights Act. These critical laws help establish the 
United States as an open and inclusive country committed to fair and 
equal housing opportunities for all.

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