CONGRESSMAN MIKE BOST MEETS WITH OFFICIALS, LOCAL REALTORS TO TALK HOUSING NEEDS IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Illinois Congressman Mike Bost (R) met with city officials and local realtors Tuesday at the Kaskaskia College Salem Education Center, regarding housing needs and potential opportunities in southern Illinois.

Among those present at the meeting were members of the Centralia business community and Chamber membership, including the Chamber staff, investor Tyler Reuter, representatives of Coldwell Banker, and Centralia City Manager Galen Mahle.

Congressman Bost, who has roots in southern Illinois, said he was holding the meeting to hear from those in the community about what the housing needs the area are, so that he may communicate those needs to state officials in Springfield.

Topics covered were the challenges faced by realtors and municipalities in Illinois, specifically the downstate area, as well as the need for subsidies from the state, ideas regarding the potential creation of Opportunity Zones for in-need residential areas, and communities that have benefited from Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds.

Congressman Bost advised that personnel is present in each of his three full-time offices - located in Effingham, Mascoutah, and Murphysboro - to assist with federal grants.