As Eviction Moratorium Ends, Reps. Johnson, Allred, & Veasey Call on State and Local Entities to Release Rental Assistance

Statement

Dallas, TX -- Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), and Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) called on the State of Texas and North Texas governments to release rental assistance funding to support North Texans.

The Members of Congress helped send critical funding through the American Rescue Plan to the State of Texas and local governments to help North Texans keep a roof over their heads, and are today calling on those governments to expedite the distribution of these funds following the expiration of the federal eviction moratorium.

"This past weekend, the federal moratorium on evictions that has saved millions of Americans from losing their homes expired. But the pandemic--the reason for the moratorium's enactment--remains a serious threat to public health and safety," said Congresswoman Johnson. "The American Rescue Plan, which I proudly supported, included over $80 million for the City of Dallas and Dallas County to provide much-needed financial relief to tenants and landlords still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. As we continue to advocate for an extension of the eviction moratorium, I'm joining Reps. Allred & Veasey in calling on state and local entities in North Texas to immediately disburse all rental relief funding as swiftly and efficiently as possible."

"With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations on the rise, it's more important than ever that we work together to keep North Texans safe, healthy and in their homes," added Congressman Allred. "I was proud to vote for the American Rescue Plan to deliver much-needed relief for North Texans, but now that the federal eviction moratorium has ended we must get relief out quickly to folks who need it. I join my colleagues to ask our state and local governments to do everything they can to help tenants and landlords get access to these funds, and my office is here to assist in any way we can."

"The lapse of the eviction moratorium is a crisis that requires us to put politics aside and use all of our efforts to help Texans keep a roof over their heads," said Congressman Veasey. "Earlier this year, I proudly voted for the American Rescue Plan, which included millions in rental assistance to help landlords work with their tenants to avoid evictions. We must quickly get people the relief they need while continuing to advocate for an extension of the eviction moratorium. That is why I am joining Reps. Allred and Johnson to urge state and local governments to release rental relief funds that will help keep North Texans housed during this pandemic."

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