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Gianaris Calls for Rent Suspension for Small Businesses and Residents Amid Crisis

Twitter: Senator Gianaris

March 20, 2020 By Christian Murray

State Sen. Mike Gianaris is calling for a 90-day suspension of residential and commercial rent for tenants and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Under Gianaris’ proposal, residential and commercial tenants would have 90 days of rent forgiven if they lost their work or closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Evictions in the state have been frozen by a moratorium issued by the Unified Court System and Governor Andrew Cuomo has already ordered a 90-day mortgage moratorium.

Gianaris is in the process of drafting the legislation but is calling for its implementation as soon as possible, including by executive order if necessary.

“Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, New York is doing an excellent job managing this crisis, but the devastation caused by coronavirus will be far reaching and long lasting,” Gianaris said.

“We must stay on top of the fast-changing consequences of our efforts to contain the virus, and the millions of tenants in our state cannot be left behind. Suspending rents is a critically important step to help New Yorkers survive this unprecedentedly difficult time.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com
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