The Legal Aid Society responded to a recent report released by the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) entitled Expiring Eviction Moratoriums and CoViD-19 Incidence and Mortality, which concluded that the New York State eviction moratorium saved the lives of 10,230 New Yorkers between May and September of this past year who, had they lost their homes, may well have succumbed to CoViD-19. The study looked at other states and also drew the conclusion that measures freezing evictions in the midst of a pandemic simply saves lives.
Albany just has until December 31, 2020, to extend and broaden the eviction moratorium in New York State to cover all tenants, including those whose cases resulted in an eviction warrant before the pandemic.
“The results are clear: eviction moratoriums in the midst of a pandemic save lives,” said Judith Goldiner, Attorney-in-Charge of the Civil Law Reform Unit at The Legal Aid Society. “With CoViD-19 surging throughout the state and Governor Cuomo threatening a second shutdown, throwing people from safe refuge into the street and congested homeless shelters is guaranteed to speed the virus and needlessly risk the lives of struggling families. Albany has just days to act, and we are calling on Governor Cuomo, Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie to enact comprehensive eviction protections for all tenants now.”
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About The Legal Aid Society
The Legal Aid Society exists for one simple yet powerful reason: to ensure that New Yorkers are not denied their right to equal justice because of poverty. For over 140 years, we have protected, defended, and advocated for those who have struggled in silence for far too long. Every day, in every borough, The Legal Aid Society changes the lives of our clients and helps improve our communities.
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