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Supporting a moratorium on eviction proceedings during the coronavirus State of Emergency.
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Official Text
WHEREAS: Governor Baker has declared a State of Emergency over the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and both State and local governments are continuously releasing guidelines for social distancing and other preventative measures to reduce spread of the virus; and
WHEREAS: A moratorium on eviction proceedings will protect public health safety by keeping vulnerable residents sheltered, by reducing crowding at Massachusetts Housing Courts and in shelters, and ensuring that disruptions in local government and agency services do not deplete the full legal services due to residents facing evictions; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council joins those calling on Governor Baker and the Housing Court Department for a statewide moratorium on evictions proceedings during the COVID-19 outbreak; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Massachusetts Governor, the Chief Justice of the Trial Court and to the Chief Justice of the Housing Court Department.