Millions Could Be Evicted As Moratoriums End, Experts Say
In this May 20, 2020, file photo, signs that read "No Job No Rent" hang from the windows of an apartment building during the coronavirus pandemic in northwest Washington, D.C. AP Photo
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STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Portland, Oregon officials decry federal law enforcement response to protest … Connecticut mayor sues airline over bite by purported emotional support dog … Hawaii could delay tourism opening.
With state and federal eviction moratoriums expiring, housing advocates are raising concerns that millions of people could be at risk of getting evicted, forcing them during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic into shelters or to move in with relatives. One model by the Covid-19 Eviction Defense Project estimated that as many as 23 million people could be vulnerable to eviction by the end of September. Housing expert Emily Benfer, chair of the American Bar Association’s Task Force Committee on Eviction, said there needs to be a national response. “As an immediate measure, we need a nationwide uniform moratorium on eviction, and it has to be coupled with financial assistance to ensure that the renter can stay housed without shifting the debt burden onto the property owner,” Benfer told CNBC. In recent days, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, extended the state’s order requiring landlords to provide a 30-day warning before starting eviction proceedings if tenants are late on their rent. In Colorado, the usual notice to tenants before initiating an eviction is 10 days. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, also extended the state’s moratorium on most foreclosures and evictions until August 31. "It takes one more burden off of people who are struggling and ensures that families can remain in their homes so they can protect their health and well-being,” Wolf said in a statement. But Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, vetoed a bill that would have required landlords to work out payment plans for back rent before moving on an eviction. “We must remember that property owners have also struggled throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Sununu said. “...They too have financial obligations that must be met, including mortgages, taxes and utilities.” In Michigan, housing advocates are pressing Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to extend the state’s moratorium, which expires on July 16. A spokeswoman said there isn’t an update yet on that decision. [CNBC; Colorado Sun; WPVI; Concord Monitor; Michigan Radio]
PROTEST INJURY | Federal law enforcement shot a 26-year-old Portland protester in the head with “less than lethal” munition on Saturday, causing a skull fracture that required extensive surgery. The incident, which occurred at a protest outside the federal courthouse, was condemned by both of Oregon’s U.S. senators, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, and City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, who asked that federal officers leave the city immediately. “The consequences of Donald Trump unilaterally dispatching fed’l law enforcement into U.S. cities played out in Portland w/a peaceful protester shot in the head,” Sen. Ron Wyden tweeted. “Trump & Homeland Security must now answer why fed’l officers are acting like an occupying army.” [Oregon Public Broadcasting]
DOG BITE | The mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut is suing Delta Airlines, saying an emotional support animal bit him on a flight. Mayor Joe Ganim is seeking unspecified damages for the dog bite that he claims caused “serious, severe, painful and permanent injuries” to his left leg. “Delta Airlines Inc. is legally responsible for the incident in that it failed to safeguard the plaintiff from unwarranted harm by allowing a dog neither crated nor muzzled to walk freely on and within the cabin of the plane,” the suit states. [CT Post]
HAWAII TOURISM | Hawaii Lieutenant Gov. Josh Green said that the state will likely delay the reopening of tourism, which is currently scheduled for August 1. “The governor has to make this decision. The best approach is to delay so that we’re safer, so we can get control of the virus with a date certain,” Green said. [KHON]
IN-PERSON MEETING | The Oklahoma City Council and city-county public health board had planned to hold their first in-person meeting this week after months of virtual meetings. But with rising coronavirus cases in Oklahoma, the two organizations reassessed and will again meet by video conference. On the agenda is the coronavirus pandemic, including a possible mask ordinance. [The Oklahoman]
Laura Maggi is the managing editor of Route Fifty and Emma Coleman is the assistant editor.
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