|
Urgent Updates
Is there any new information on the Texas Eviction Diversion
Program?
Yes. Back on September 25, Governor Abbott announced the allocation of $171 million of federal CARES
Act funding for rental assistance and the Texas Eviction Diversion Program
(TEDP). The TEDP is a voluntary program that allows landlords and tenants to
agree to resolve eviction lawsuits. TEDP funds may be used for up to five
months of past-due rent payments, and for up to six months of future rent
payments.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs recently announced some new details on the program. The
first phase of the TEDP is a pilot program in which $3.3 million is allocated
to subrecipients covering 20 counties. The pilot program will help inform the
statewide program, which is expected to begin in CDGB entitlement communities
by the end of the year, and CDBG non-entitlement communities by early 2021.
What is the status of Governor Abbott’s recent proclamation
relating to the delivery of mail ballots in-person?
Given the number of legal battles involving voting during the
pandemic, it should come as no surprise that within 24 hours of the
governor’s October 1 proclamation restricting where mail ballots can
be delivered in-person, two separate lawsuits were filed against him in federal
district court. Both lawsuits contend that the governor’s proclamation
limiting the delivery of completed mail-in ballots to one designated location
in the county is an unconstitutional burden on the fundamental right to vote
and is discriminatory.
With early voting set to begin on October 13, these lawsuits
are expected to be resolved quickly. Stay tuned.
Further Updates
Where can I access a summary of the key topics you’ve covered
in these Updates?
TML staff launched these Coronavirus Updates in mid-March when
our cities started feeling the effects of COVID-19. We know it’s hard to
digest it all, so we’re offering a comprehensive update at the TML Virtual
Annual Conference and Exhibition on October 14 at 1:30 p.m. Scott
Houston, TML Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel, will lead the
discussion, and will be joined by Assistant General Counsels Christy
Drake-Adams, Amber McKeon-Mueller, and Evelyn Njuguna.
Register here to hear this presentation and view more
than 30 other TML Annual Conference sessions related to recovery and
resilience.
Where can I find archived issues of the TML Coronavirus
Updates?
TML Coronavirus Updates are archived by date here and by subject here.
|