WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) provides statement on the eviction moratorium:
"I am leaving Washington, D.C. today disappointed after Congress failed to extend the eviction moratorium. I stayed in Washington, D.C. on Friday and spent the day reaching out to Congressional leadership, making sure they understood how my constituents would be affected by our action or inaction. Calls to my office yesterday amplified the concerns of renters about eviction and landlords about foreclosure. After hearing from constituents in my district, I made leadership aware of the profound impact to renters and homeowners, and urged them to include language to support renters and landlords, and streamline the process for disbursement of funds in any negotiated agreement. Unfortunately, after waiting all day legislation to extend the eviction moratorium was not considered and there was no vote on the matter. With no action the moratorium will expire on July 31, 2021 at midnight.
In March, the American Rescue Plan provided over $42.5 billion in assistance to renters and homeowners.
Specifically, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided:
- Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) - The legislation provides more than $21.5 billion in emergency rental assistance to help millions of families keep up on their rent and remain in their homes.
- Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) - The legislation provides nearly $10 billion to help homeowners behind on their mortgage and utility payments and avoid foreclosure and eviction.
- Emergency housing vouchers - The legislation provides$5 billion for emergency housing vouchers for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
- Homelessness assistance and supportive services program - The legislation provides $5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to help create housing and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
- Other programs - The legislation also includes over $1 billion in funding for other housing assistance programs. To learn more about these programs, read about them here.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act also provided $25 billion for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Using funds provided from the American Rescue Plan, the State of Connecticut launched UniteCT, a program to provide direct financial assistance to renters and homeowners. UniteCT provides up to $15,000 rental & $1,500 electricity payment assistance to households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of July 30th, the state has disbursed $45 million in assistance, to 5,800 tenants and 2,691 homeowners. This amount only accounts for roughly 11% of the total funding that is available for Connecticut residents.
If you or anyone you know is in need of rental assistance and may benefit from this program, visit UniteCT to learn more and apply for assistance.
I have several in-district meetings and events planned with constituents as I enter the August district work period. I plan to keep those commitments, and adhere to my calendar, however, I stand ready to return to Washington, D.C. at any moment to consider this or any other further legislation.
As always, my office is here to help and answer any questions you may have."
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Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.
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