Cuomo Signs Monumental Eviction Moratorium Bill
Yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) officially signed the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 into law.
The bill provides a reprieve to tenants facing eviction and mortgagers facing foreclosure. Specifically, it instates a moratorium on residential evictions and foreclosures until May 1, 2021 for tenants and mortgagers who have incurred financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also prevents local governments from engaging until tax lien sales until that date.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic began, we asked New Yorkers to protect each other by staying at home. As we fight our way through the marathon this pandemic has become, we need to make sure New Yorkers still have homes to provide that protection,” Cuomo said. “This law adds to previous executive orders by protecting the needy and vulnerable who, through no fault of their own, face eviction during an incredibly difficult period for New York. The more support we provide for tenants, mortgagors and seniors, the easier it will be for them to get back on their feet when the pandemic ends. I want to thank the legislature for passing this important protection for New Yorkers all across the state who need a hand. This is the kind of support that helps us stay New York Tough.”
Brewer to Host Vaccine Program on MNN
Next week, the Manhattan News Network (MNN) will be taping a program about the COVID-19 vaccine, starring Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (D).
On the program, Brewer will be answering questions about when the vaccine will become available, its efficacy and potential risk factors. Viewers who want to have their questions answered must submit them to Brewer in advance. The program’s airing date has yet to be announced.
To submit your question, email a short video of yourself to media@manhattanbp.nyc.gov.
Maloney Votes to Override Trump Veto and Provide $2,000 Stimulus Payments
Last Monday, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn Queens) returned to Washington to cast her vote on two pivotal bills in the House.
Her first vote was in favor of the Caring for Americans With Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020, which would provide all Americans with $2,000 economic impact payments.
“Democrats have been fighting for $2,000 stimulus payments for months and throughout the COVID package negotiations,” said Maloney. “However, Republicans refused to budge and would only allow for $600 payments. We knew that this was not enough and viewed these checks as a down payment on what we will and must provide under the incoming Biden-Harris Administration. Today, I was proud to join with my colleagues to vote for the CASH Act to provide the $2,000 payments we have been fighting for.”
She also voted to overturn President Donald Trump’s (R) veto of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. The package includes her Corporate Transparency Act, which will prevent corporations from using shell companies to hide illicit activities.
“More than two-thirds of both the House and Senate voted to approve this package, and we must follow the will of the people,” she said. “Further, Trump’s reasons for vetoing this bill are self-serving and have nothing to do with protecting our national security. I voted today to respect the will of the people and to ensure no lapse in pay for the brave Americans serving our country in the military.”
De Blasio Announces Massive Protected Bike Lane Expansion
Yesterday, Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced that the City has constructed 28.6 miles of protected bike lanes over the course of 2020.
2020 also saw the construction of 16.3 miles of bus lanes, 83 miles of Open Streets and over 10,000 Open Restaurants. Altogether, 2020 has arguably been the most transformative year for the City’s streetscape in history.
“Our city has reimagined our streets as we’ve fought back the COVID-19 crisis. That means more space for restaurants and businesses, faster options for bus riders, and more ways than ever to accommodate the cycling boom with new protected bike lanes,” said de Blasio. “Record numbers of bike lanes and bus lanes will change our urban landscape forever – and, as we continue our fight to build a fairer and better city, we won’t stop here.”
