ALBANY, NY (WAMC) - New York City's rent control law affects more than 1 million apartments: Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports that the law is up for renewal OR elimination, and legislators in Albany are clamoring for its inclusion in the Governor's Budget.
Democrats insist Governor Andrew Cuomo is committed to rent reform - but some lawmakers question how solid the former head of HUD is on the issue: The Associated Press reported last week that Cuomo had reached a deal with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, to get the speaker's support for a property tax cap in exchange for the governor's backing of renters' protection. But at a press conference this week, Cuomo called rent-regulation changes and a property tax cap "too complex" to put in the budget.
Democratic Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh of Manhattan continues to hold out hope. With rent regulation is set to expire June 15, and the budget due in less than two weeks, tenants advocates are demanding the issue be addressed now. Mary Tek is campaign manager for the Real Rent Reform campaign, the coalition fighting for stronger rent laws in New York City. Tek says there are about 2 and half million New Yorkers who depend on rent regulation and who need the rent laws to be strengthened or they're going to be pushed out of their homes and their communities. Assemblyman Kavanagh blames the New York City housing crisis on weakening amendments that have been inserted into law by real estate interests.
Republicans, led by majority leader Dean Skelos are on record opposing the inclusion of rent reform in the budget, even if it is connected to a property tax cap. Calls to Governor Cuomo's office and to GOP leaders were not returned in time for broadcast.
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