Senators Kavanagh and Cleare, Assemblymembers Glick, Rosenthal, and Seawright Applaud Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Raising Income Eligibility Limits for Critical Rent Freeze Programs

“As Chairs of the Senate and Assembly Committees on Housing and Aging, and long-standing sponsors of legislation (S1457B/A5344 Kavanagh/Glick) to raise the income eligibility limits for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs, we applaud Governor Kathy Hochul for her announcement in today’s State of the State address that she will work with the legislature to enact this critical change that will provide financial security and housing stability for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.

“Raising the limit from $50,000 to $75,000 will account for inflation since the last increase in 2014, and keep pace with today’s economic realities, helping to ensure that these critical programs continue to serve the New Yorkers they were designed to protect.

“While there is more work to be done to modernize SCRIE and DRIE and ensure they are accessible and responsive to tenants’ needs—and to expand eligibility for comparable programs for low-income homeowners—the Governor’s commitment today is a huge step towards strengthening these programs and represents a victory for rent-stabilized tenants and Mitchell-Lama residents around the state.

“Today's announcement demonstrates and reinforces our shared commitment to housing stability and affordability for senior and disabled New Yorkers. We thank Governor Hochul for her strong focus on this issue, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure these programs reach all who need them.”

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