Pennsylvania

New push underway in Harrisburg for lawmakers to help people pay rent, mortgage

PITTSBURGH — With the coronavirus pandemic causing many people to lose their jobs, some are left wondering how they will pay their rent or mortgage.

There have been nearly 1 million unemployment claims filed in Pennsylvania just in the last two weeks.

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“We know with the virus, with COVID-19, people are losing their jobs and people just aren’t able to pay right now. We are really trying to push for mortgages to be cancelled and for rent to be cancelled and for there to be no new debt for people right now,” said Celeste Scott with Pittsburgh United.

A new bill is being drafted in Harrisburg that would freeze rent and mortgage payments during the pandemic. Groups like Pittsburgh United said it’s a good move.

State Rep. Sara Innamorato, one of the bill’s sponsors, said it is still in the very early stages. She said they are working to make sure tenants and homeowners can be helped without hurting small landlords.