I am one of the million people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of Americans have already lost their jobs, being forced to stay home until the pandemic crisis is over. The virus is spreading quickly and Michigan is now one of the many hotspots across the U.S for COVID-19, which is projected to get even worse then New Yorks COVID-19 cases within the next week. Numbers are rapidly growing and innocent lives are being taken. Eliminating rent will help millions of people from losing their homes during this crisis. We are all dealing with enough, both physically and mentally losing our jobs is one thing but losing your home, is even scarier.

We are asked to stay home and self quarantine to reduce the rapid spread of this virus, only "essential" jobs are allowing people to still work but yet, the vast majority without work are still expected to pay our rent? Roughly 40 percent of Michigan's population currently pay rent, on average paying 800 or more a month, not including utilities and other monthly bills. Unemployment pay does not subside the financial struggles that many people in Michigan are currently dealing with, leaving business owners and the self-employed with little to nothing to pay their bills. People who have recently relocated are struggling to find jobs or claim unemployment due to the unexpected Coronavirus. This is only the start of an ongoing pandemic with little insights of how long or when a vaccine will be created. Thus making financial decisions even more difficult then ever. The virus is projected to get a lot worse before it starts to get better. With only the hopes that this virus will go away, many people of Michigan have been practicing self isolation, limiting the amount of times they leave their homes for daily living essentials or to try and get a temporary job at local supermarkets, nursing homes etc. Working and traveling has become an issue among many of us here in Michigan. At the very least the people of Michigan should not have to worry about how they will pay there next months rent. 

I'm calling on Governor Whitmer to Eliminate all rent payments in Michigan until this crisis is over. Michigan's people need immediate relief so we all can self quarantine and let the virus pass and not worry about finding "essential" jobs to work for just to make ends meet and not lose their homes. If rent does not get eliminated, I am afraid many families could be evicted or faced with a tremendous financial struggle all due to a virus that is completely out of the control of the citizens in Michigan. Gov. Whitmer needs to make sure we wont be left financially in debt or homeless for only doing what has been asked to keep our communities and state healthy.

**Mortgage/tax/loan payments can all be deferred by speaking to your lender**

This petition is for renters only. The government DID put suspension on all foreclosures and evictions during April. This petition is solely for renters for hopes of immediate relief to keep families together in their homes during this pandemic crisis.