Lawmakers Join Effort to Protect Homeowners and Renters
Assembly members back ‘The People’s Bill’ to prevent pandemic-related evictions and foreclosures

6/30/2020

Legislation that would provide eviction protection to tenants and mortgage forbearance for homeowners has gained significant momentum in the New Jersey Assembly, as pandemic-related economic hardship continues throughout the state.

The legislation, A4226/A4034, also known as “The People’s Bill,” would outline clear repayment standards for tenants who were forced to miss their rent due to the pandemic and would require mortgage forbearance options for homeowners who have struggled to stay afloat during and after the public health emergency.

Housing advocates and legislators argue that housing is an economic and public health necessity and that access to a safe and affordable home during the pandemic has been the best defense against the coronavirus. Sponsors of the “People’s Bill” say that losing one’s home could remove the central element that has helped flatten the curve.

In addition to the original sponsors, Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake (D-34), Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-35), Asw. Angela McKnight (D-31), and Asw. Shanique Speight (D-29), a growing broad cross-section of the Assembly has coalesced behind the bill. To date, the list of Assembly co-sponsors include: Asm. Adam Taliaferro (D-3), Asw. Gabriela Mosquera (D-4), Asm. William Moen (D-5), Asw. Carol Murphy (D-7), Asm. Daniel Benson (D-14), Asw. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-15), Asm. Roy Freiman (D-16), Asm. Andrew Zwicker (D-16), Asm. Joseph Danielsen (D-17), Asw. Yvonne Lopez (D-19), Asw. Linda Carter, (D-22), Asw. Mila Jasey (D-27), Asm. John McKeon (D-27), Asm. Ralph Caputo (D-28), Asw. Cleopatra Tucker (D-28), Asw. Angelica Jimenez (D-32), Asm. Raj Mukherji (D-32), Asm. Thomas Giblin (D-34), Asw. Shavonda Sumter (D-35), and Asw. Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-37).

The legislators join more than 150 organizations and individuals in support of the “People’s Bill”.

About Compassionate NJ
Compassionate NJ is a consortium advocating for the People’s Bill whose core members are Ironbound Community Corporation, Fair Share Housing Center, the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, Make the Road New Jersey, New Jersey Citizen Action, and the New Jersey Organizing Project. Dozens of other housing advocates and advocacy organizations across the state have worked with bill sponsors and consortium members on crafting the “People’s Bill.”