Housing relief is vital

Good questions about whether or not the housing industry should be working as an essential business. I am grateful for Gov. Inslee’s leadership that has provided us with a model reaction to the coronavirus, but of course it isn’t perfect, thankfully erring on the side of safety.

Right now four members of our congressional delegation have proposed $100 billion package of relief for renters, the Emergency Rental Assistance Act (H.R. 6314) introduced by Rep. Heck. This is a critical initiative, if we are to prevent a cascade into homelessness, as one-third of America’s renters were not able to pay rent this month.

Washington’s entire delegation recently backed the governor’s request for emergency SNAP increases; hopefully the same will happen for rent relief and a moratorium on evictions. Meantime, Governor Inslee is working hard on the next steps in the virus plans, including when to open businesses like the housing industry.

Willie Dickerson

Snohomish