Senator Eric Adams Fights to Protect New Yorkers Living with AIDS or HIV

Eric Adams

April 28, 2010

Senator Eric Adams Fights to Protect
New Yorkers Living with AIDS or HIV

Legislation limits the percentage of household income towards shelter costs to 30-percent

Senator Eric Adams and the New York State Senate passed legislation (S2664)  that safeguards poor New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS by limiting to 30-percent the total amount of household income that can be charged for housing.  This amendment to the social services law will pertain to people diagnosed with HIV or AIDS who live in emergency shelter facilities or living in housing which receives financial aid.

“Currently, people suffering from the debilitating and terminal illnesses, AIDS and HIV are often forced to live well below the poverty level and are overburdened by the amount of their income deovted only to housing,” Senator Adams said.   “People living with these illnesses often have high medical bills and this legislation allows them to allocate more money towards these medical expenses by relieving some of the financial pressure they currently face due to high housing costs.”

“Those with HIV or AIDS often need to focus their time and money primarily on daily survival needs," Senator Adams said.  “This legislation would ensure that these citizens would be able to receive medical treatment as well as maintain a decent standard of living.”

The Senate’s bill passed 42-19.

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