(TRENTON) – To address the emerging housing crisis in New Jersey, Assembly Democrats Benjie Wimberly (D- Bergen, Passaic) and Herb Conaway (D- Burlington) sponsor a resolution (AR-207) cleared by the Assembly Housing Committee on Monday urging Congress and the President of the United States to enact further stimulus regulation to help landlords and tenants in New Jersey receive federal funding.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread unemployment and loss of income resulting in an unemployment rate that reached above 14% in July. Many unemployed tenants are unable to pay rent placing them at risk for eviction. This sustained loss of rental income could cause landlords to defer repairs, reduce maintenance, and potentially abandon properties.
The federal “HEROES Act” is an example of legislation that would directly help the tenants and landlords of New Jersey and has already been passed by the House of Representatives. This resolution encourages the United States Senate and the President to pass this Act or similar legislation to further address the housing crisis.
Following committee approval of the resolution, Assemblymen Wimberly and Conaway issued the following joint statement:
“The people of New Jersey are struggling due to this pandemic and need help. Unemployment is already high and could continue to rise dramatically as we battle the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. It is a critical necessity to get more federal funding to keep our communities afloat and protect our landlords and tenants.
“The housing crisis is rapidly worsening and Congress must act swiftly to help those affected by COVID-19. The length of this pandemic continues to put strain on our residents who need help now, even more than the first stimulus package passed in March.”