RE: Calling for a Statewide Moratorium on residential evictions, writs of execution, and administrative public housing terminations for 1-month after the COVID-19 State of Emergency is lifted
Dear Governor DeWine, Senate President Obhof, Senate Minority Leader Yuko, House Speaker Householder, and House Minority Leader Sykes:
In the midst of this worldwide health crisis, Ohio has become a leader in taking the necessary steps to protect its residents. Ohio must continue to lead the nation by our example, and that includes housing security.
We know now, more than ever, that our health outcomes are intertwined with all members of our community. By addressing housing, we not only protect Ohioans at risk; we protect our community as a whole that will undoubtedly be at greater risk if we fail to take action. This includes protecting Ohioans that are tenants, Ohioans that are homeless or housing insecure, Ohioans that are public housing residents, and Ohioans that are homeowners.
It is imperative that you act without delay and pass legislation to enact a moratorium on residential evictions, execution of residential post-foreclosure writs of execution, and administrative public housing terminations until the COVID-19 State of Emergency is lifted and working Ohioans have had a chance to return to work and get back on their feet.
COVID-19 has changed our way of life in ways that were unimaginable two weeks ago. On March 9, Governor DeWine declared a State of Emergency. On March 16, the Ohio Department of Health issued a Director’s Order closing polling locations for the March 17, primary election. On March 22, the Director of Health Amy Acton issued a Stay At Home Order for individuals living in Ohio to stay home and only leave their place of residence for essential activities, essential governmental functions, or to participate in essential business and operations.
It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of Ohioans have been laid off since the first COVID-19 case arrived in Ohio less than two weeks ago. This is the direct result of the state’s important decision to limit the spread of this disease, and is no fault of these individuals. We cannot ask these families to shelter in place and punish them for it at the same time.
While many will make the right choices for their communities, we cannot leave to chance that any property owners, mortgage companies, or housing authorities would evict hard working Ohioans and worsen the COVID-19 pandemic. No Ohioan should be punished during this crisis, and, for the public good, no Ohioan should be put at greater risk of contracting this disease and further spreading it.
It is simple, keeping Ohionans in their homes during this pandemic is a public health necessity.
It is wholly unjust to allow residential evictions, residential post-foreclosure writs of execution, and administrative public housing terminations during this humanitarian crisis to subject more families in poverty and persons of color to increased health risks. The eviction process itself and the increased homelessness that follows will expose Ohioans to COVID-19—undermining the State’s ability to flatten the curve and limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Accordingly, the General Assembly must pass a moratorium on all evictions and foreclosures to be in effect until no less than a month after Governor DeWine’s State of Emergency has been lifted.
Similarly, the legislation must suspend all eviction proceedings and prohibit the enforcement of any eviction orders during the above defined period. Similar moratoria have already been implemented in New York; Massachusetts; Kentucky; Seattle, Washington; and several other cities, counties, and states across the United States. We have led the country in so many ways, but cannot afford to fall behind in this important measure.
It is your sworn duty to swiftly move to protect all Ohioans from this pandemic. Ohioans have lost their income because they have been forced to stay home for the public health. Ohioans should not lose their homes too.
We Win Together,
Reem Subei
Democratic Candidate for Senate District 2
cc: House of Representatives; Senators
