Around the State
NC General Assembly Update
Decisions around key leadership in the General Assembly for the 2021 Legislative Session have been made. In the House, Rep.Tim Moore will likely remain as Speaker and Rep. Robert Reives is the leading contender for minority leader. In the Senate, Sen. Phil Berger will likely remain as Sen Pres Pro Tempore. Republicans have selected Kathy Harrington of Gastonia as the majority leader, making Harrignton the 1st female majority leader in the NCGA. Democrats have selected Sen. Dan Blue to continue as minority leader.
The session is due to begin on January 13, 2021. Lawmakers are expected to work in Raleigh for 1-2 days of organizational and administrative business. Then they are expected to recess and return in February for legislative work. Budgetary matters are expected to be the immediate priorities. The Coalition will keep members posted on housing related spending bills.
This schedule could be upended if Congress passes additional federal COVID-19 relief resources and measures. The GA would then be called into session to immediately allocate resources coming to North Carolina. The Coalition will keep members informed of any developments on COVID relief. See below for an update on Congress.
National
On Tuesday, a bipartisan group of senators and representatives released a framework for a compromise coronavirus relief package, including $25 billion in emergency rental assistance, to help address the nation’s most urgent needs over the next three months. They are also considering an extended eviction moratorium as part of the compromise deal. While far more resources and measures will be needed, this bipartisan framework is an important step and could serve as a blueprint for a relief package that could pass before the end of the year.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) also circulated another relief package, much smaller in amount and with no resources to assist with housing.
National advocates are calling on people to continue calling on Congress, especially Senators, to attach a coronavirus relief package to other must-pass legislation – either the final omnibus spending package for fiscal year (FY) 2021. Or another Continuing Resolution to keep the government operating past December 11th and avoid a shutdown.
NLIHC Asking for Sign-Ons to Letter Urging CDC to Extend Eviction Order
The National Low Income Housing Coalition is circulating a new petition asking for sign-ons to a letter urging the CDC to extend the national eviction order. Please see today’s blog for more information on the need for this action. Please visit this site to sign-on: https://nlihc.secure.force.com/actions/CapturePetitionNew?actionId=AR00933
REPORTS/RESOURCES/EVENTS
Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies – The State of the Nation’s Housing 2020
Urban Institute – How Can Landlords Support Their Tenants during COVID-19?
