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Lawmakers seek solutions to halt evictions
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Posted on Apr 15 2020
With layoffs and work hours being cut in both the private and public sector, many are having difficulty making rent and are now on the brink of eviction.
“I can’t think of a worse time to lose a job and to receive a payless payday than right now, in the midst of a pandemic,” House minority leader Rep. Edwin K. Propst (Ind-Saipan) said. “Employees in the public and private sector who have been laid off and left without a paycheck are trying to figure out how they can protect their family and have them ‘stay home’ when they are on the verge of losing their home.”
Propst said the minority bloc has spoken with House Speaker Blas Jonathan Attao (R-Saipan) on a bipartisan legislation that would prevent evictions, at least until federal assistance is made available.
Saipan Tribune has received emails asking for assistance concerning evictions and alleged related harassment. One employee, who asked about rental assistance from a church-based organization, was told that it has a waitlist of 300 people.
According to Propst, evicting and putting hundreds of families out on the streets within the next months is very likely to increase the spread of COVID-19, not to mention an added stressor, especially for children who have stopped going to school, and who would then have to stop living in a home.
“We want landlords and property managers to understand that payments can still be collected, and contracts with tenants can be amended for deferments,” Propst said. “Banks are very flexible right now and are offering loan deferments, and business loans are readily available through SBA [Small Business Administration].”
The minority bloc has endorsed solutions earlier suggested by Sen. Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota) in a letter to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres. This include, among others, negotiating with Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC for its community benefit fund mandatory contribution in the amount of $37 million for the years 2018 and 2019.
