COVID relief negotiations collapse, 40 million at risk of eviction

Transcript

There is no sign of relief in sight for Americans struggling during the pandemic.

Stimulus aid negotiations between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders came to a screeching halt Friday night.

Both sides say they are extremely disappointed.

Not only was no deal struck but no more talks are planned, at least for now.

At a press conference Friday night President Trump said “If Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage, I will act under my authority as President to get Americans the relief they need.”

Trump laid out his executive order which would include a payroll tax deferment, extending unemployment benefits, extending an eviction moratorium and deferring student loan payments.

Trump said the executive order could get signed by the end of next week.

But American renters don’t have the luxury of time.

According to a report released Friday by the Aspen Institute, up to 40 million Americans could face evictions without a stimulus bill.

The report warns that the US may be facing its most severe housing crisis in history.

Renters in the southern part of the country face the highest risk of eviction.

The report suggests enhanced unemployment benefits and at least $100 billion in emergency rental assistance could help stave off the evictions.

Posted – 8.8.20