(New York, NY) – Today, Senate Democratic Leader John L. Sampson and Senator Adriano Espaillat (D – Manhattan/Bronx) praised the Assembly for taking a vote on one of the most critical issues facing New York: rent regulations. They called on the Senate to do the same. Senate Democratic Leader John L. Sampson said, “The expiration of rent regulation laws pose a direct threat to the economic security and well-being of 2.5 million tenants in New York City and the surrounding counties. New York has to be more affordable for it to remain livable for Middle Class families - and that means extending and expanding tenant protections. “The rent hikes that would come from the expiration of rent regulations is a tenant tax that will force Middle Class families from their homes. New York is already losing population because families cannot afford to remain here and it will only get worse without an extension and expansion of rent regulations. I applaud the Assembly for taking the steps necessary to protect affordable housing, and I call on the Senate Majority to do the same. The clock is ticking; now is the time to act,” said Sampson. Senator Espaillat, the top ranking Democrat on the Senate Housing Committee said, “After much advocacy from tenant advocates and elected officials concerned about New York’s housing needs, it’s great news that the Assembly is taking up legislation that will extend and strengthen rent regulations,” said Senator Adriano Espaillat, who is sponsoring a similar bill in the Senate (S. 2783-A). “Over a million families in New York City – including 79,000 in my district – would be squeezed out of their homes if rent laws are allowed to expire on June 15th. We must extend and strengthen rent regulations and protect New York’s poor and working families.” Earlier today, Senator Espaillat was joined by tenant advocates and other pro-tenant legislators in a meeting with Governor Andrew Cuomo. “Governor Cuomo understands the need to protect tenants and stabilize communities across New York. I am pleased that he has committed to working with us on extending rent regulations and strengthening key tenant protections,” said Senator Espaillat.
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