Created: May 11, 2021 10:47 PM
Despite relaxing a wide range of COVID-19 restrictions, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has decided to continue the eviction moratorium. The decision comes as lawmakers grapple with how to transition away from the executive order.
It's been nearly 14 months since it went into place.
In his executive order in March 2020, Walz wrote, “I recognize that COVID-19’s economic impact continues to influence the ability of tenants and homeowners to pay their rent and mortgages. Over 800,000 Minnesotans have applied for unemployment insurance since March 16, 2020.”
Organizations that work with renters say it’s been ‘critically important.'
“Making sure people were not experiencing homelessness, making sure that people were not having to double up, moving in with someone else because they’re losing their home,” said Eric Hauge, the executive director of HOME Line. “That actually saved lives.”