Senate Leader Atkins on Extension of Evictions Moratorium: Work Will Continue to Help Californians Most In Need
SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding an agreement to extend California’s moratorium on evictions:
“One of the worst aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the growing number of Californians at risk of losing their homes. Last year, the Legislature and the Governor built a bridge to help those tenants and small landlords. Today we are making that bridge longer and stronger. We are extending the eviction moratorium to June 30 and distributing the federal stimulus funds quickly and equitably across the state. We are also providing additional safeguards to protect Californians from landlords and creditors acting in bad faith. This agreement, which is the strongest in the nation, works within the framework required by federal law regarding eligibility, prioritizing rent payments past due, and providing a timeframe in which the funds must be used.
“Today’s actions to protect tenants and small landlords does not mean our work is over. We are actively pursuing early budget actions that will address the most pressing needs caused by the pandemic, and the decisions we make are being viewed through the lens of how they can make life better for those among us struggling the most. We will also be assessing what may need to happen after June 30th. Challenges rising from the pandemic have been constant. So will our attention and our action.
“I appreciate the partnership of Speaker Rendon and Governor Newsom in reaching this agreement that helps Californians keep a roof over their heads and keep their heads above water while we continue to tackle the challenges presented by this pandemic. I am also grateful to Senate Majority Leader Hertzberg and Senators Caballero, Bradford, Skinner, and Umberg, for their leadership in making these important protections become reality.”
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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins