Asm. Robert Rivas on Eviction Moratorium Extension Signed into Law

SACRAMENTO – On Friday, January 29 Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) released the following statement on Senate Bill 91, which extends the eviction moratorium to June 30, 2021, and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom: “SB 91 is a necessary and important measure for this time of crisis if we want to prevent a wave of homelessness and reduce the spread of COVID-19. “Even before COVID-19, 3.3 million households in California were living paycheck to paycheck. All it took was one unexpected cost to jeopardize their ability to pay rent. “COVID-19 is a financial disaster that no household could have prepared for – and it’s our black and brown communities who are feeling the worst impacts of the virus. Not only are Latinos disproportionately more likely to contract the virus than the general population, but they are more likely to have lost their jobs due to the subsequent recession. Latinos, who make up 38 percent of the workforce, account for 50 percent of statewide job losses since the start of the pandemic, and those who lost their jobs overwhelmingly rent. “I recognize that SB 91 is not perfect, but to not approve this measure would be a failure to understand the gravity of the situation for millions of Californians who are out of work through no fault of their own. It would be a failure to protect our most vulnerable populations from falling into debt or homelessness that could follow them for years to come. “I thank the Governor, Speaker and Senate President pro Tem for their leadership and collaboration on this issue, helping to ensure that our underserved communities are not left behind during this unprecedented period for our State.” SB 91 extends the provisions of AB 3088, which protects tenants who pay 25 percent of their monthly rent from eviction, and additional protections under SB 91 include banning late fees on COVID-19 rent debt. California received $2.62 billion in federal rental relief dollars, which will help establish a program for rent subsidies for our residents, benefiting both renters and landlords. More information on the bill can be found here: https://abgt.assembly.ca.gov/fullbudgetcommittee1 Website of Assemblymember Robert Rivas: https://a30.asmdc.org/