E-Mail Forum – 2020

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Governor and Legislature Actions Today - COVID-19
March 16, 2020

Governor Newsom issued two executive orders this evening. The first executive order to protect the health and safety of Californians most vulnerable to COVID-19 residing at health care, residential and non-residential facilities licensed by the state. The order directs state health and social services agencies to redirect resources and staff to the facilities, focusing on providing technical assistance and supporting compliance with core health and safety requirements for caregivers and the cared for.

The second executive order authorizes local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slows foreclosures, and protects against utility shutoffs for Californians affected by COVID-19.

Both press releases are below as well for you to review.

Additionally, the Governor sent the Legislature a letter this evening to remove 72-hour bill in print rules for a specific set of bills related to emergency appropriations by the Legislature. The Legislature is acting on those measures this evening that will provide relief for schools (SB 117) and also will provide the following (SB 89):
1) Appropriates up to $500 million for purposes related to the March 4, 2020 Proclamation of Emergency related to the COVID 19 virus.
a. Requires the Director of Finance to notify the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) of the purpose of the planned expenditure at least 72 hours prior to expending funds. The Chair of the JLBC may waive this period through written notification.
b. Allows the Department of Finance to increase the amount of appropriation, up to $1 billion total, after 96 hours of notifying the JLBC. The Chair of the JLBC may waive this period through written notification.

Governor Gavin Newsom
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

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Office of the Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	Contact: Governor's Press Office
Monday, March 16, 2020	(916) 445-4571

Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order to Protect Renters and Homeowners During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Executive Order authorizes local governments to halt evictions, slows foreclosures, and protects against utility shut offs

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order that authorizes local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slows foreclosures, and protects against utility shutoffs for Californians affected by COVID-19.

The Executive Order comes as Californians are experiencing substantial loss of hours or wages, or layoffs related to COVID-19, affecting their ability to keep up with their rents, mortgages, and utility bills.

“People shouldn’t lose or be forced out of their home because of the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom. “Over the next few weeks, everyone will have to make sacrifices – but a place to live shouldn’t be one of them. I strongly encourage cities and counties take up this authority to protect Californians.”

The order does not relieve a tenant from the obligation to pay rent, or restrict the landlord’s ability to recover rent that is due. The protections are in effect through May 31, 2020, unless extended. The order also requests banks and other financial institutions to halt foreclosures and related evictions during this time period.

The Governor’s Executive Order asks the California Public Utilities Commission to monitor measures undertaken by public and private utility providers to implement customer service protections for critical utilities, including electric, gas, water, internet, landline telephone, and cell phone service on a weekly basis.

The full Executive Order can be found here.

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Governor Gavin Newsom
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

Sam Caygill
Regional Public Affairs Manager | East Bay Division
League of California Cities
p. 916-402-7258 | e. scaygill@cacities.org

Strengthening California Cities
Through Education & Advocacy

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