Statement from Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris on NYC Council Resolution in Support of #CancelRent Bills

NEW YORK - Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris issued the following statement about a resolution introduced to the New York City Council by Council Member Costa Constantinides in support of his legislation to suspend and forgive rents. 

Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said “It has been clear for weeks now that rents cannot be paid with money that doesn’t exist and therefore, rent will be cancelled whether or not we authorize it by law. I appreciate Council Member Constantinides joining the growing chorus of leaders who know we must provide serious rent relief and bring stability to the housing market before it devolves into a full blown crisis."

The resolution specifically calls on the state legislature to pass A.10224-A, introduced by Assembly Member Yuh-Line Niou, and its State Senate counterpoint S.8125-A, introduced by Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris. It additionally calls on Governor Cuomo to sign legislation if enacted, which would cancel rent for certain New Yorkers who have lost their jobs or for small businesses forced to close over the coronavirus.