Governor Pritzker has yet to pass any sort of legislation to protect tenants that can no longer make rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic disruption of any kind harms the low-income and already vulnerable members of our community, and this outbreak is no different. Job losses, reduction of hours, and unstable work schedules are all either here or coming in the near future.

A bill was passed to help the economy during this time but unfortunately, this does not include many college-aged students due to their listing as “dependents” when filing taxes.  It is also DOES NOT include undocumented folx. Leaving a significant chunk of the population without resources and continuing to spend state resources on the incarceration and detention of migrants. 

At a time when lives quite literally demand on the ability to shelter away from others, we ask that Governor Pritzker adheres to these demands:

1. The repeal of the 1997 Rent Control Preemtion act by Governor Pritzker. This will allow for municipalities to enact, maintain or enforce measures that control the amount of rent charged for leasing a residential property. Making way for a freeze in rents or lowered rents during this pandemic. 

2. Total suspension of all rental, mortgage, utility bills, court fines, civic fees, and property tax payments in the Champaign-Urbana area until the crisis has passed. Applicable to all individuals and small businesses. That does not mean a deferment or payment plan. It means cancellation of all aforementioned debts incurred throughout the crisis.

3. Immediate stoppage and abolition of ICE, and youth detention programs.  Release of at-risk prisoners detained in city and state jails and prisons. Not having the money to afford bail is only worsened in times such as these along with these centers harboring corona cases that can not be escaped from. The funds currently spent on those programs should be re-allocated towards creating a more comprehensive relief program FOR THE PEOPLE NOT CORPORATIONS. 

We are calling on everyone—individuals, business, non-profits, and any other entity that has rent or mortgage obligations—not only to withhold payments, but to publicly commit to doing so. While the world grinds to a halt, we refuse to continue to dutifully pay crippling amounts for basic needs. When it has become impossible for so many of us to work, there is no alternative except to stand together and say: Rent Strike Now! Mortgage Strike Now!