Democratic legislators applaud state Supreme Court decision to halt evictions

HARRISBURG, March 18 – Following the announcement that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court would be halting all eviction notices, multiple House Democrats, who earlier in the day requested this halt, issued the following statement:

“We’re extremely appreciative to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for showing judicious leadership in halting all evictions statewide through at least April 3 and possibly beyond depending on the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we continually urge Pennsylvanians to stay home out of great concern for their personal health as well as the health of their community, it’s unconscionable that they could still be evicted and thrown into a world of instability when stability is what they need most. This halting of evictions doesn’t only help the homeowner or lessee, it helps the entire community.

“Far too many people are living paycheck to paycheck and now face the real situation of being out of work for an extended period of time. Ensuring they have a roof over their heads for the foreseeable future isn’t simply the right thing to do, it’s the moral thing to do.”

The following House Democratic legislators signed on to a letter, which can be viewed here, requesting the Pennsylvania Supreme Court halt all eviction proceedings:

  • Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny.
  • Democratic Whip Jordan Harris, D-Phila.
  • State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila.
  • State Rep. Summer Lee, D-Allegheny.
  • Allegheny County Delegation Chairman Dan Miller, D-Allegheny.
  • Southwest Delegation Chairwoman Pam Snyder, D-Washington/Fayette/Greene.
  • Northeast Delegation Chairman Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh.
  • Southeast Delegation Chairwoman Margo Davidson, D-Delaware.
  • Philadelphia County Delegation Chairman Jason Dawkins, D-Phila..
  • Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila.

Lee and Isaacson had previously sought support for legislation to halt evictions during a statewide emergency declaration due to an epidemic or pandemic.