Title
Resolution to Encourage Governor to Optimize Michigan Executive Order 2020-134 - Eviction Diversion Program for COVID-19-related Debtors and Reconsider Rescission of Executive Order 2020-118
Body
Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global public health and economic crisis;
Whereas, In Michigan alone, more than 2.1 million people are currently unemployed due business closures and slowdowns [1];
Whereas, Households impacted financially are often those who can afford missed paychecks the least;
Whereas, In Michigan, approximately 2.6 million people rent their housing [2];
Whereas, Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, 45% of Michigan renters were already financially burdened by cost of housing [3];
Whereas, Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, Michigan courts already processed 17,000 evictions per month [4];
Whereas, Ann Arbor is not immune to economic hardship and residents face similar pains;
Whereas, People in financial crisis are the least likely to have quality legal representation;
Whereas, The Governor of Michigan's Executive Order (No. 2020-118) placing a moratorium on evictions expired on July 15, 2020 without further extension [5]; and
Whereas, Instead of continuing a moratorium on evictions, the Governor of Michigan's has issued a new Executive Order (No. 2020-134) setting aside $60 million in CARES Act funding to cover back rent for those being evicted [6];
RESOLVED, That Ann Arbor City Council ask the Governor to extend Executive Order 2020-134 ("Eviction diversion program for COVID-19-related debtors") for as long as necessary to prevent mass eviction and homelessness;
RESOLVED, That Ann Arbor City Council ask the Governor and Michigan Supreme Court to make access to the "Eviction diversion program for COVID-19-related debtors" as streamlined as possible for those in need; and
RESOLVED, That Ann Arbor City Council further asks the Governor to reconsider the rescission of Executive Order No. 2020-118.
Citations:
[1] https://www.detroitnew...
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