IBLC issues statement on override of governor’s veto, SEA 148-2020

INDIANAPOLIS – The House voted today to override the Governor's veto of Senate Enrolled Act 184-2020, which would strip local governments of their authority to regulate landlord-tenant relationships. State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), Chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement on behalf of the caucus in response:

“In the midst of a pandemic, where the main strategy for prevention is to quarantine and isolate, stable housing is key. That is why Governor Holcomb, the CDC and the President issued various eviction and foreclosure moratoriums throughout this past year. Somehow, the Republican caucuses of the General Assembly do not seem to understand this issue.

“It is unconscionable that Republicans would attack tenant protections while Indiana is staring down an eviction crisis. Up to 313,000 households, with 720,000 Hoosiers, are at risk of losing their homes. With this override, we won't be surprised when those numbers, and that of Indiana's COVID-19 cases, rise drastically.

“Republicans seem relentless in their drive to strip local governments – particularly that of the city of Indianapolis – of their authority in these matters. The General Assembly is not and cannot be the end-all, be-all power in Indiana. We have 92 individual counties across our great state that experience unique issues. Tenants in Indianapolis may not face the same challenges as tenants in Jeffersonville or even those in Gary. We must respect our partners in local government and allow them to handle their cities, towns and counties in whatever way works best for them.

“We tried to stop it in the Senate. We tried to stop it in the House. The IBLC will fight to restore the rights and protections of all Hoosier tenants.”