Senator Espaillat: Governor Right to Keep Legislators in Albany Until Rent Gets Done

 With New York’s rent laws expiring at midnight, Gov. Cuomo reiterates need to extend and strengthen rent regulations

Following Governor Cuomo’s call for legislators to remain in Albany until they have passed a bill that extends and strengthens rent regulations, Senator Adriano Espaillat (D – Manhattan/Bronx), top ranking Democrat on the Senate Housing Committee, released the following statement:

“I join Governor Cuomo’s urgent call for legislators to finish their jobs and pass legislation that extends and strengthens rent regulations. Voters did not send us to Albany to pass short-term extenders and punt our state’s problems down the field. They sent us here to help New Yorkers and there is no better way to do so than by keeping families in their homes.

“Over 2.5 million New Yorkers would be squeezed out of their homes if rent regulations are not extended. Of course it is not enough to simply extend the rent laws. We must also strengthen rent regulations and close the loopholes that allow rent increases and tenant harassment. The Republican plans offered thus far simply do not do that.

“I am prepared to stay in Albany as long as it takes. I commend Governor Cuomo for being on the right side of this issue. We will stand up to those who want to let the clock run out on tenants and skip out of town before getting the people’s business done.”