May 15, 2020
Statement from Michelle Pariset, Policy Advocate
“The May Revise maintains state funding for many housing programs, cuts hundreds of millions from others, and, in some cases, expands program funding through the allocation of federal dollars. However, the Revise completely misses the mark on protecting the state from the impending tsunami of evictions that will hit at the end of the Judicial Council eviction moratorium unless the state takes decisive action. The state can and must address the crisis for renters while it works to energize production of homes affordable to those in need.
California corporations and individuals that profited handsomely off our economic boom times must begin to pay their fair share toward these efforts through taxes and rent forgiveness. We call on the Governor and Legislature to use the next round of federal dollars and in-state revenue to support renters and to provide funds to bring distressed rental property into community control, so that we don’t see a repeat of the Great Recession – where thousands of homes were gobbled up by predatory corporate investors.”
Contact:
Michelle Pariset, mpariset@publicadvocates.org
Liz Ryan Murray, lryanmurray@publicadvocates.org, 562-310-7330
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Public Advocates Inc. is a nonprofit law firm and advocacy organization that challenges the systemic causes of poverty and racial discrimination by strengthening community voices in public policy and achieving tangible legal victories advancing education, housing and transit equity. Learn more: www.publicadvocates.org
