STATEMENT ON THE BLOCKING OF RENT RELIEF TO COUNTY RESIDENTS
MIAMI-DADE – Today, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners had the opportunity to approve Item 14A5, which provides $10 million in rental assistance grants to residents of Miami-Dade who have had their incomes impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government allocated these CARES Act funds to local governments to provide direct assistance to residents and businesses. The item was unilaterally blocked from being heard at today’s meeting by a single Commissioner and will be heard at a future Board meeting.
“I am extremely disappointed that a colleague blocked my item today to provide funds for rental assistance to our residents. With workers facing layoffs, furloughs, reduced hours, and a state unemployment system that has failed catastrophically, residents facing eviction need help now. As elected officials and policymakers, we have a duty to respond to the crisis and help our residents keep a roof over their heads,” said Commissioner Eileen Higgins.