Protecting the industry and consumers

It takes a team to protect the industry and private property rights. Illinois REALTORS® has a cadre of members and staff whose focus is to make sure REALTORS® can best do business on behalf of their clients. The association maintains relationships with policymakers at all levels—local, state and federal.

2023 Legislative Scorecard

The first year of the 103rd General Assembly brought changes: newly elected legislators, new House and Senate caucus leaders, new committee chairs and assignments, even a massive Capitol construction project. But other things remained constant with more than 6,500 bills introduced and more than 360 of them directly affecting real estate and private property interests. The 2023 spring session was challenging at times, but due to our effective member advocacy and engagement, it was a success.

State Capitol Report

Meet Your Illinois REALTOR® GAD Team

Tom Benedetto
Tom BenedettoDirector of Local Advocacy
Ron Deedrick
Ron Deedrick
Michael Dobrow
Michael Dobrow
Kristie Engerman
Kristie Engerman
Neeley Erickson
Neeley Erickson
Nora Gruenberg
Nora Gruenberg
Jeff Merrinette
Jeff Merrinette
Adriann Murawski
Adriann Murawski
Nash Oldenettel
Nash Oldenettel

State, local and federal protection for the real estate industry

Statehouse lobbyists

State policy can have a huge impact on real estate. That’s why Illinois REALTORS® has a team of lobbyists who sort through the thousands of bills annually to make sure bad legislation doesn’t become state law.

Local government

Illinois REALTORS® has a cadre of local Government Affairs Directors, called GADS, who address property rights issues at the grassroots level.

National resources

The National Association of REALTORS® advocates every day on behalf of the nation’s 1.3 million REALTORS® and 75 million property owners.

Illinois REALTOR® CEO speaks about the power of REALTOR® advocacy

2022 Capitol Conference Recap

Illinois REALTORS® 2022 Capitol Conference told the story of REALTOR® advocacy, from investing in RPAC and grassroots efforts to the laws that govern the real estate industry, and how the advocacy actions of individual REALTOR® members can affect the future of private property rights.

Member Advocates: Making the REALTOR® voice heard in government at all levels

The power of the REALTOR® brand is evident in the association’s deep membership engagement on the issues. Illinois REALTORS® members take a direct role in answering Calls for Action on legislation, and many serve in leadership capacities to make industry issues known to policymakers.

  • Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) maintain relationships with specific members of Congress to keep them up-to-date on REALTOR® issues. FPC’s visit with elected officials when they are in their districts, and during visits to Washington, D.C.
  • State Legislative Contacts (SLCs) stay in touch with Illinois lawmakers to help reinforce the association’s legislative agenda.
  • Consulate General Liaisons (CGLs) provide insight for a growing global clientele, and establish relationships with diplomatic representatives.

Protecting your business and property rights

The REALTORS® Political Action Committee has your back. An investment helps keep your business from becoming encumbered in red tape and costly regulation. Join the thousands of Illinois REALTORS® who are protecting our real estate industry and learn how you can play a role in taking a stand for private property rights.

RPAC logo

Contributions to RPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary and are used for political purposes. The amounts indicated are merely guidelines and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amounts. The National Association of REALTORS® and its state and local associations will not favor or disadvantage any member because of the amount contributed or decision not to contribute. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Up to thirty percent (30%) may be sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board’s official website or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois. Except as may be required by state or federal law, the Illinois REALTORS® PAC (Illinois RPAC) is not required to refund political contributions. However, refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis so long as they are received within 30 days of the contribution.