State Senator David Niezgodski and State Representative Maureen Bauer have issued a joint statement regarding recent tragedies in South Bend.

The statement addressed the house fire on LaPorte Avenue, the deadliest the city has seen in nearly a century, as well as the neglect situation at Cedar Glen Apartments.

They are calling for action and mentioned a pair of bills in the state senate that would allow for a rent escrow program and hold problem property owners accountable for neglecting to make repairs. They say landlords must be held accountable when they put the safety and wellbeing of the residents at risk.