Some pandemic practices should become the norm.
By Emily Holzknecht Associate Video Producer |
For many people, the pandemic experience has centered around the home: working from it, quarantining in it and getting an education in it. And for far too many Americans, just keeping a home during this time has been a challenge. |
Now, as the Omicron variant continues its surge, federal funds for rental assistance are drying up and there are only a few remaining eviction moratoria still in place. Local governments across the country need to use all the tools at their disposal to keep people in their homes and strengthen tenant protections. |
 | | The New York Times |
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In New York State, progressive Democrats are working to pass the Good Cause Eviction bill before the state's eviction moratorium expires on Saturday. Throughout most of the state, even if you've managed to keep paying rent on time despite the hardships of the pandemic, your landlord could still jack up your rent or decline to renew your lease without having to provide a reason — and leave you scrambling to find a new home. |
This bill would protect most of these tenants from this upheaval. In a new Opinion video Jeff Seal, a comedian, journalist and housing advocate, takes to the streets — and even breaks out in song — to help spread the word about this bill, urging New Yorkers to reach out to their state senators and Assembly representatives to support it. |
Unless the leaders of the State Legislature bring this potentially life-changing bill to a vote, the majority of renters in New York will never be fully protected from unfair evictions. "And as the saying goes, if you can pass legislation here, you can pass it anywhere," argues Seal. |
Here's what we're focusing on today: |
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