Senator Gallivan Calls on Governor to Release Funds for Tenants & Landlords

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C-I, Elma) is calling on the Cuomo Administration along with the Senate and Assembly majority leaders to take steps necessary to release tenant and landlord relief funding that New Yorkers desperately need.

The Minority Conference was recently made aware of $1.3 billion in federal COVID-19 Assistance being held up by the Governor’s Office. This $1.3 billion is included in the second round of CARES Act relief assistance given to states, which in turn must be specifically distributed to tenants and landlords.

“Since the pandemic began, thousands of tenants have been unable to pay rent and landlords have struggled to pay property taxes and maintain their businesses,” Senator Gallivan said.  “The federal government has provided financial relief and it is imperative that the State of New York ensures that this assistance gets to the people who need it, as intended.  There is no reason to delay the process any longer.”

In a letter to the governor, Senator Gallivan also noted the financial hardships faced by tenants and property owners have a ripple effect on the local economy. 

The federal dollars allocated to New York State, per federal guidelines, must be used by September 30. If the deadline is not met, the United States Department of Treasury is obligated to claw these funds back and reallocate them to other states. Senator Gallivan says the State Legislature should be prepared to intervene on behalf of tenants and landlords by sending a Message of Necessity and giving the Legislature the ability to pass an appropriation bill that would enable state agencies to distribute the federal relief funds in a timely manner.