KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In an effort to provide some relief to Kansans struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday she plans to sign an executive order placing a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures.
Kelly said she felt compelled to act after the U.S. Congress ended its latest session without making a decision on a potential new stimulus package.
“All eyes are on Congress to see what it'll do with the next stimulus package,” Kelly said. “I can’t sit back and do nothing while the Senate has gone on vacation without addressing the issue.”
She said that Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, a weekly $600 payment to those eligible for assistance, has lapsed even as Kansans continue to be out of work due to the pandemic.
Kelly’s executive order will last for two weeks, “in hopes that the Senate gets its act together,” she said.
If Congress hasn’t acted within that time frame to bring more relief to U.S. citizens, Kelly said she will sign another extension of her order.
“No Kansan should be kicked out of their home during this pandemic. That is just wrong,” Kelly said.
Kelly acknowledged that times are tough for landlords, too, and said her administration is looking for ways to support them while the order is in effect.
The governor also is looking to support businesses facing uncertain times.
On Wednesday, applications will open for more than $130 million in grants for business communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly said.
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