Krajewski introduces legislation to help struggling families stay in their homes

Rep. Rick Krajewski    February 22, 2021 | 5:21 PM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 22 – Holding fast to his belief that housing is a human right, state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., has introduced legislation to help struggling families stay in their homes.

“Shelter is a necessity,” Krajewski said. “A person’s ability to keep a roof over their head, over their children’s heads, is tied directly to their ability to stay safe, to stay healthy. People who are struggling to make ends meet should not have to forfeit their home and with it their health and safety. And that’s why I’m introducing this legislation, so that homeowners have another option to stay in their homes, even in financially trying times.”

The legislation, which Krajewski introduced with state Reps. Jared Solomon and Morgan Cephas, both D-Phila., would allow a mortgage modification to be finalized in advance of the payment of municipal liens assessed on a property. Current state law requires lien satisfaction before a mortgage modification can be finalized.

Krajewski said the legislation would make it easier for financially struggling homeowners to modify their mortgage to help them get back on their feet.

“In addition to it being the right thing to do,” Krajewski noted, “helping struggling families to stay in their homes helps the community as a whole. It keeps people who have a vested interest in their community’s well-being in the community.”

Krajewski said the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency supports the legislation.