Stec opposes eviction moratorium extension

Senator Dan Stec today voted against legislation (S6362A) that would extend emergency tenant eviction protections for another four months. The measure passed the State Senate today and a vote is expected in the Assembly.

“Early in the pandemic, when so many people lost their jobs and there was tremendous uncertainty, this law made sense,” said Stec.  “But, we’ve reached the point when we should be focusing on getting back on track.  Some landlords haven’t been paid rent in well over a year and another moratorium is going to make matters worse.”

Stec said the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program enacted in this year’s budget includes $2.3 billion in federal aid for tenants having difficulty paying rent.  During debate today, a Senate Democrat acknowledged that this funding being administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has not yet been distributed.

“Instead of another moratorium, the focus should be on getting that financial assistance into the hands of tenants suffering a hardship,” said Stec.

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