Kenyatta applauds Wolf’s rent and mortgage suspension, calls for lengthier freeze

Philadelphia County Delegation    May 8, 2020 | 11:40 AM

PHILADELPHIA, May 8 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., today applauded Gov. Tom Wolf’s executive order that halts foreclosures and evictions until July 10, but also announced he is drafting legislation that would extend the freeze for an additional six months.

Kenyatta praised Wolf’s order, calling it a great start in ensuring that Pennsylvanians will not lose their homes during the pandemic. However, with the July 10 grace-period ending just two months from now, Kenyatta said that assurance is only short-lived.

Kenyatta said the economic shockwave stemming from the pandemic will outlast the order’s two-month provision.

“Pennsylvanians who have been unemployed will be fiscally stunted, and realistically, the timeframe for many to gradually recoup their finances after months of lacking steady income will surpass July. It could easily go on until the end of the year,” he said.

Kenyatta called for a lengthier mortgage and rent payment freeze to allow for Pennsylvanians to financially rehabilitate.

“As lawmakers, we can’t allow renters and homeowners to relive the fears and dread of homelessness. We can’t allow those struggling to rebuild their lives to be casted into a downward spiral of financial ruin because they missed mortgage or rent payments out of desperation,” he said. “This incredibly trying time has upended countless lives in various ways, but the one thing every Pennsylvanian should be able to take solace in is that they can retreat to the safety of a domicile they comfortably call home, which is why I am drafting legislation that would extend the suspension on rent and mortgage payments from July 10 until Jan. 10.”