(ST. PAUL, MN) –  Senator Torrey Westrom (R- Elbow Lake) released the following statement today to assure those struggling to pay rent due to COVID illness, job loss, or reduced income, that the Senate is working on providing relief:

“COVID-19 should not cause someone to lose their home, whether they rent or own. We’re working on a comprehensive bill that includes the appropriate temporary funding to support those tenants and landlords who have been impacted by this emergency and need help the most right now. This pandemic is stressful enough for everyone. We want to be sure there is clarity for both renters and property owners on the expectations and protections they have during the peacetime emergency. We also need to ensure these funds are used to help those most in need and that there are sufficient guardrails to avoid fraud or misuse of funds.

“Minnesotans need emergency relief now. Tenants or homeowners not impacted by COVID-19 need to fulfill their obligations to pay rent or make mortgage payments on time so scarce resources can be used to give meaningful assistance to those impacted by this unprecedented emergency.”

Senator Westrom is the Chair is the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Finance Committee.