NY lawmakers react to Supreme Court blocking part of eviction moratorium
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC/AP) — The Supreme Court Thursday night blocked part of New York State’s moratorium on evictions that was put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The moratorium will expire at the end of August.
The court blocked the portion of New York’s law that allows renters to stave off eviction by submitting a hardship declaration form that tells the state they lost income or had more expenses during the pandemic or that moving would harm their health.
This will allow some evictions to resume before the moratorium expires.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul released the following statement:
"No New Yorker who has been financially hit or displaced by the pandemic should be forced out of their home.
"As New York State’s next Governor, I look forward to working with the Legislature to quickly address the Supreme Court’s decision and strengthen the eviction moratorium legislation.
"I will work with our partners in the Legislature to help get the funding available to those in need as soon as possible."
State Sen. Samra Brouk (D-Rochester):
“The conservative Supreme Court’s blocking of New York State’s eviction moratorium will result in greater homelessness and housing instability in our State as COVID-19 variants bring a resurgence of death and disease within our communities—the decision is morally repugnant and deeply irresponsible. Some protections still exist for constituents facing COVID-related financial hardships, and I encourage anyone in need of assistance to reach out to my office.”