State Leaders Must Pass Progressive Housing Bills to Avoid Mass Evictions As Moratorium Expires

by | Mar 3, 2021 | Press Releases

Albany, NY— In response to housing courts reopening, Stanley Fritz, Citizen Action of New York Political Director, released the following statement:

“Now that New York’s stay on evictions has expired, our legislature must act to solve this rental crisis once and for all. Senator Kavanagh’s amendments to the Covid-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program will ensure the state can use federal money to help avoid a housing catastrophe. Despite federal restrictions on the funding, amendments such as the explicit inclusion of undocumented New Yorkers and the use of self-attestation forms will ensure as many tenants as possible are able to access assistance with the least barriers. All tenants must be afforded the maximum protections.

“The amendments are a good first step, but we must keep the pressure on the legislature to tax the rich by passing the Invest In Our New York Act to ensure that the previously introduced Covid-19 Housing Recovery and Relief For All bill (sponsored by Senator Salazar and Assemblymember Niou) and the Housing Access Voucher Program can be funded. Every New Yorker needs the peace of mind that they will not end up on the streets when we regain a sense of normalcy again.”