MDCEP Calls on Legislature, Governor to Fund Emergency Rental Assistance
The Maryland Center on Economic Policy (MDCEP) joins organizations across the state in calling on Gov. Wes Moore, Senate President Bill Ferguson, House Speaker Adrienne Jones, and legislative budget negotiators to allocate funds for emergency rental assistance in the FY 2024 state budget, as called for in the Moore-Miller transition report.
With over 106,000 households across the state, from Garrett County to the Eastern Shore, currently behind on rent, affecting over 141,000 children living in those households, emergency rental assistance is necessary to prevent a wave of evictions and homelessness across the state. The federal emergency rental assistance program showed the power of this approach – more than 100,000 families across the state have been able to stay in their homes because of emergency assistance. This aid has been particularly important for Black and Latino families who have disproportionately experienced financial hardships because of the pandemic.
MDCEP President and CEO Benjamin Orr issued the following statement:
“While we recognize and appreciate that the governor and legislature are balancing many needs in the budget, keeping Marylanders from losing their homes has to be a top priority. Kids cannot succeed in school when their family is being evicted or going through a period of homelessness. Parents run the risk of losing income or even losing their jobs while they manage their housing crisis, leading to further instability.
“The small amount of money it takes to help a family who has hit a rough patch and is a month or two behind on rent can pay dividends in improved health, more stable employment, and greater success in school. The improved economic security families experience also strengthens our communities and benefits local businesses.
“We are confident that there is room in the state’s $62 billion budget to help keep thousands of Maryland families in their homes without harming other important needs. We strongly urge the governor and legislative leaders to add this funding before passing the final budget.”
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Media Contact
Kali Schumitz, Vice President for External Relations
410-412-9105, ext. 701
kschumitz@mdeconomy.org
About Maryland Center on Economic Policy
The Maryland Center on Economic Policy advances innovative policy ideas to foster broad prosperity and help our state be the standard-bearer for responsible public policy. We engage in research, analysis, strategic communications, public education, and grassroots alliances promoting robust debate and greater public awareness of the policy choices Maryland residents face together. mdeconomy.org
