New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who took office on Tuesday, said she is not satisfied with the speed at which financial relief has been dispersed across the state.
Hochul praised the work of President Joe Biden and New York State Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, but said New Yorkers who meet the requirements for rent relief need to get their due soon.
“I want the money out now,” Hochul said during her address, which followed a ceremonial swearing in.
Among the changes including the state hiring more people to process applications, as well as the removal of barriers that have slowed down the process. “If you apply and qualify for COVID rent assistance, you will be protected from eviction for a year,” she said.
A report from the State Comptroller’s office found that a tiny fraction of the nearly $2 billion earmarked for rent relief had been distributed. In fact, little more than $100 million has been dispersed as of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s resignation.
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