The New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus is intensifying its advocacy for reforms focused on education, health, criminal justice, and notably, housing and tenant protections as the current legislative session approaches its end on June 8.
The caucus, chaired by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, has backed measures including the Good Cause Eviction bill, which aims to enhance tenant protections against eviction and limit rent hikes. While the bill did not secure approval during state budget negotiations, the caucus continues to support tenant-oriented measures such as the right to counsel law, and policies protecting property owners from theft.
However, the Good Cause Eviction bill has met with opposition from landlord organizations and was not openly supported by Governor Kathy Hochul during budget talks. Homeowners for an Affordable NY, a landlord group, expressed approval for the right-to-counsel measure while opposing the eviction bill.
Leanne Politi, spokesperson for the group, reiterated their stand against the eviction legislation, arguing that it fails to address non-payment of rent and housing accessibility and could lead to higher rents and jeopardize small property owners, including Black, Brown, and immigrant New Yorkers. The group is eager to collaborate with Governor Hochul and legislators to tackle the state’s housing challenges with responsible policy.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].