Gov Quinn Signs Williams-Wilhelmi Bill to Stop "Storm Chasers" from Defrauding Homeowners

New Law Helps Protect Homeowners from Fraud After Natural Disasters

JOLIET – August 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that helps protect Illinois homeowners who are trying to recover following a natural disaster. He also signed a new law that ensures landlords are able to evict tenants who commit serious crimes on the rental property.

House Bill 3034 was sponsored by Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) to help protect homeowners from contractors who prey upon individuals following natural disasters. Contractors known as “storm chasers” travel to towns after natural disasters and target homeowners, especially elderly citizens, through home repair scams. These contractors misrepresent themselves in order to persuade homeowners to sign contracts for home repairs. If the work is done at all, it oftentimes must be redone due to its poor quality.


“When disasters such as storms or flooding hit, the recovery process can be overwhelming, and some individuals use that as an opportunity to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners,” Governor Quinn said. “It is important that we do everything we can to stop dishonest contractors so that residents can focus their energy on rebuilding their homes and communities.”


"These "stormchasers" victimize consumers at the most vulnerable times," said Rep. Williams. "This bill will help to prevent unscrupulous contractors from taking advantage of homeowners desperate to pick up the pieces after a natural disaster."

The new law prohibits roofing contractors from allowing out of state roofing contractors to lease their license numbers for compensation. It also requires roofing contractors to include their license number on all contracts, bids and advertisements. Additionally, the law enables residents to cancel a contract and requires contractors to refund any payments within 10 days of the cancellation.

“When people are the victims of a natural disaster, the last thing they need to worry about is someone trying to take advantage of them in their time of need,” said Sen. Wilhelmi. “This law will prevent contractors from using unscrupulous practices to take advantage of victims and win contracts over more honest competitors."



The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues licenses to roofing contractors and recommends that local governments require a roofing contractor to provide proof of an active state license prior to issuing a local building permit or business license. Individuals can also visit www.idfpr.com to look up roofing contractor licenses to determine whether they are active and in good standing. HB 3034 goes into effect Jan. 1.

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 1766, sponsored by Sen. Wilhelmi and Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights). The law will help fight crime by requiring rental contracts to include an provision stating that tenants can be evicted for committing a felony or a Class A misdemeanor on the property. The new law goes into effect immediately.

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Court Rules Cedra Crenshaw Back on Ballot in State Senate Race Against Sen. A. J. Wilhelmi

Press Statement from the Office of Cedra Crenshaw
For Immediate Release

“I am just one mom, and today is a victory for all moms, dads, and regular people vs. Chicago Machine and their political games. I am delighted by the news that I am back on the ballot. Together, we will hold my opponent accountable for his horrific voting record,” said Cedra Crenshaw.

From the inception, Crenshaw had called on Sen. Arthur Wilhelmi to stop his party’s ballot challenge. Instead, Wilhelmi encouraged the spacious, technical attack to restrict Crenshaw’s ballot access, as he repeatedly said, “the law needs to be followed.” Today, the court spoke and the Wilhelmi machine lost. Good government and the rule of law won the first battle.

Throughout Wilhelmi’s entire political career, he has been timid in the face of corruption. Wilhelmi could not even stand up to corrupt Gov. Rod Blagojevich. On the question, should the people of Illinois have the right to recall corrupt Gov. Rod Blagojevich- he voted “present”. Even as the Crenshaw challenge became a national news story, Wilhelmi refused to defend the most basic principle in our representative democracy: ballot access. Wilhelmi was again “present” while basic democratic principles were being trashed by the leadership of his party. The people of Illinois are weary of Wilhelmi- politicians.

“My team worked very hard to get on the ballot, collecting 2,100 petition signatures in only 19 days. It is evident that our work ethic needs to go to Springfield and reform Springfield!”, stated Crenshaw.

This is a leadership election and once elected to the state senate Crenshaw’s will introduce legislation to clarify election law and help make ballot access less complicated for everyone -- even independents and third parties. The people of Illinois need to hold their career politicians to account, and competition at the ballot box means accountability for lawmakers.

ILGOP Chairman Statement on Removal of GOP State Sen. Candidate Cedra Crenshaw

7/7/2010

“This is brazen machine politics right before our very eyes. The Democrats are out to protect incumbent A. J. Wilhelmi, period. Cedra is a mom who got fed up with politics as usual and decided to run. I’m sure she’s not surprised, and I’m convinced she won’t give up without a fight.” - Pat Brady, Chairman, Illinois Republican Party