Illinois lawmakers hope to create a state tax credit for affordable housing Unmute SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - If you're struggling to keep up with your mortgage or rent, you're not alone. State data shows around 375,000 families in Illinois spend more than half of their monthly income on rent. That's something state lawmakers hope to change by creating a new state tax credit for affordable housing. Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) pushed for this plan before the stay-at-home order went into place last year. However, Ramirez says it's needed even more now as Illinois slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Build Illinois Homes tax credit would utilize $35 million annually over 10 years to help create private investment and give families hope for housing.