Harlem Congressman Backs $100B Rent Relief Bill

HARLEM, NY — Harlem Congressmember Adriano Espaillat is supporting two bills — one of which he is sponsoring — proposed in the House of Representatives that will provide billions for rental assistance to counteract the economic damage caused by the coronavirus crisis.

Both bills supported by the Upper Manhattan lawmaker aim to help renters whose ability to pay rent has been affected by the new coronavirus. City comptroller Scott Stringer said this week that more than one in five New Yorkers could lose their jobs as a result of the virus by June, and tenants across the city have participated in rent strikes in April and May.

The first bill supported by Espaillat was introduced in both the Senate by Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and the House by Rep. Denny Heck of Washington — both Democrats. The legislation proposes that the federal government disburse $100 billion to state and local governments for emergency rental assistance. The proposal was included in a version of the last stimulus bill, but was not eventually included in the $2 trillion CARES Act that eventually passed and was signed by President Donald Trump. Espaillat was one of about 50 lawmakers to sign a letter in April demanding that the federal government provide $100 billion in rental assistance.

The legislation, which is called the Emergency Rental Assistance Act, will provide assistance to renters for up to two years by making payments directly to property managers and landlords on behalf of tenants. Local governments that receive the funds can partner with community organizations and housing authorities to distribute the relief money, according to the bill's text.

In addition to supporting the bicameral bill, Espaillat is also sponsoring a bill that will provide an additional $25 billion in assistance to low- and middle-income families who are facing back rent payments. Espaillat introduced the bill, which is cosponsored by Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García of Chicago, on Tuesday.

"These are unprecedented times as millions of residents around the country face tremendous hardships amid the ongoing public health emergency and global crisis due to COVID-19. Rent is past due for millions of Americans and families, and families, especially the lowest-income families, cannot afford to pay monthly rent. It is clearer than ever that housing is part of our overall health as a society and nation," Espaillat said in a statement.