Brooklyn Lawmaker Backs 'Relief For All' Coronavirus Housing Bill

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — A Brooklyn lawmaker pushed for a new "relief for all" housing bill as calls for rent cancelation grow amid the coronavirus crisis.

State Sen. Julia Salazar, who represents Bushwick, Williamsburg and parts of Bed-Stuy, on Monday highlighted the Emergency Coronavirus Affordable Housing Preservation Act of 2020.

The bill calls for an effective cancelation of rent for residential tenants who lost income because of coronavirus-related restrictions, mortgage relief for homeowners and assistance to small homeowners losing rental income.

"By passing Relief For All, we can preserve affordable housing, while keeping families in their homes and businesses afloat," Salazar said in a statement. "With no home left behind, and every rent paid, this is a unity bill that meets the needs of this moment."

To keep up to date with coronavirus developments in Brooklyn, sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter.

Advocates have called for a citywide rent strike starting May 1 to pressure lawmakers to cancel rents during the coronavirus shutdown. It's a call that has gained momentum as more and more New Yorkers lost jobs and income as the outbreak continued.

Prominent Bronx progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Monday planned an online forum over the #CancelRent movement. She's backing a federal bill and plans to express solidarity with the state push for rent cancelation.

Salazar, who is politically aligned with Ocasio-Cortez, partnered with Assembly Member Joseph Lentol on state bill.

Coronavirus In NYC: Latest Happenings And Guidance

Email PatchNYC@patch.com to reach a Patch reporter or fill out this anonymous form to share your coronavirus stories. All messages are confidential.