New York lawmakers vowed Tuesday to push for funding of housing vouchers in the state budget after Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal excluded them. These state-issued vouchers, modeled on Section 8, could aid 20,000 low-income households facing eviction or foreclosure. Lawmakers stress the urgency, citing homelessness concerns and federal funding uncertainties.
The Senate passed bills promoting affordable housing, including tax-exempt savings accounts for first-time homebuyers and rent exemptions for seniors. Advocates are calling for a near-doubling of supportive housing funds to prevent unit closures.
As job and rent growth outpace housing production, legislative leaders hope to negotiate increased funding before budget talks intensify at the end of the month.
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