'Ohio Needs Eviction, Foreclosure Moratorium': Lakewood Senator

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood State Senator Nickie Antonio is urging Ohio leaders to temporarily halt all evictions and foreclosures across the state.

Antonio and state Senator Hearcel Craig, from Columbus, sent a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine asking him to take action to suspend evictions. The pair cited the economic contraction created by COVID-19.

“Housing insecurity impacts people’s health, safety and education,” they said in their letter. “You have urged Ohioans to Stay Safe at Home—how are Ohioans to do this if they don’t have a home?"

A federal moratorium on evictions and foreclosures expired last week. Ohio legislators introduced Senate Bill 297, which would prohibit foreclosures and evictions while Ohio is in a state of emergency.

The legislation would allow for exceptions in eviction cases if the tenants are subject of a domestic violence protection order, convicted of domestic violence or are violating a domestic violence protection order.

“We urge you to take action to temporarily freeze all evictions and foreclosures in our state,” they said in their letter. “We believe SB 297 is thoughtful policy your administration could replicate.”

Economists have been warning of a coming wave of evictions and foreclosures. Nearly 40 percent of tenants are in danger of being evicted, according to an analysis shared by CNBC.