Some question need for Oregon special session on rental assistance
In one week the Oregon Legislature will convene for a special session called by the governor. The focus of the session will be on assistance aimed at protecting Oregon renters.
Part of the package before lawmakers includes extending ‘safe harbor’ protections for people who have applied for rental assistance, and approving another $90 million in rental assistance to low-income tenants.
While life isn’t fully back to normal and we continue to fight the coronavirus, some things are — like many people are back to work in-person, and businesses and restaurants are open with indoor dining.
In fact, Oregon’s unemployment rate is currently one of the lowest in the country.
“We have one of the most recovering economies in the country. So why we're continuing to act as if the economy is shut down and that people don't have money because they don't, they're not allowed to work. That just isn't accurate anymore,” said Rep. Kim Wallan, a Republican from Medford and House deputy minority leader.
Wallan pointed to Gov. Jay Inslee in Washington who just last month allowed the eviction moratorium to expire, citing it could enable some to not get jobs.
While they will be considering eviction protections, the Legislature will not be looking at an extension to a full eviction moratorium during the special session. They will instead consider keeping so-called "safe harbor" eviction protections in place for people who are waiting for rental assistance disbursements.
Some of those applicants may be currently employed but owe back rent after losing their job during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rep. Julie Fahey, a Democrat from Eugene and the chair of the House Committee on Housing told KATU in a statement:
“While we understand the job market is in high demand, this oversimplifies what Oregonians are facing in the midst of a pandemic. We know that many people are back to work but are still struggling to pay the back rent they are behind on from when they were laid off."
A request for comment from the governor’s office was not returned Monday.
**EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been corrected to clarify that the special session is intended to cover extending eviction 'safe harbor' protections, and not an eviction moratorium.