CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Housing advocates, including a former Lt. Governor, are getting behind legislation to end what some say is "insidious discrimination."
Bills in the Illinois House and Senate would stop landlords from refusing would-be tenants because of the source of their income, whether it’s from housing vouchers, child support, or Social Security.
Former Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, who now heads the Hope Fair Housing Center, said that’s discrimination.
"The most likely victims of source of income discrimination are single women-led households, who receive income like alimony, child support, or rent assistance," she said.
A video from her group featured people like Lavette Mayes, who was refused housing, even though she had the money from Social Security and housing benefits.
"I get SNAP benefits, also I get Social Security. I didn't think it would be that hard for me to buy a bigger place," she said.
Sharon Norwood also appeared in the video, talking about her experience. Realtors told her housing vouchers would not be accepted.
"I would call properties and the realtors would immediately tell me that the Housing Choice Voucher program was not accepted...and I would never be able to cover the rent," she said.
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Representative LaShawn Ford, the lead House sponsor, said source of income discrimination is often racism in disguise, because other landlords said income is income.
"Many landlords that receive source income are saying this is the most stable income that they have right now," Ford said.
Advocates said this law is needed so people can climb out of poverty.