Payne pushes extension of eviction moratorium

Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) expressed disappointment on Monday with Congress’ failure to extend the mortarium of rental evictions, saying that he’s been working with House Financial Services Committee Chair Maxine Waters to get the House to consider lengthening legislation.

“These are Americans who have suffered incredible personal and financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Payne said.  “We do not want to make them homeless on top of it.”

Payne said that New Jerseyans will not be affected by the failure to extend the rental eviction moratorium since Gov. Phil Murphy has already extended the state’s rental eviction deadline to January 1, 2022.

“We need to get this pandemic aid to the landlords to prevent these evictions,” Payne said.  “If not, the evictions will lead to property foreclosures for the landlords.”

The 10th district congressman wants the House to focus on the issue.

“I am proud that New Jersey is going to keep the state’s eviction moratorium until the end of the year.  But Congress must make the eviction moratorium extension a higher priority and find a way to pass it soon,” Payne stated.  “It is something that affects people in every state and Congressional District.”