MY FELLOW DEMOCRATS, GIVE NEW YORKERS THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING THEY DESERVE

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Councilman Rubén Díaz Sr.

Bronx County, New York

 You should know that the New York State Democratic Senate only needs 32 votes to approve legislation and they now have 39 Democratic Senators. That means they do not need one single Republican Senator vote to pass the Rent Control Regulations for the poor people of New York State.

 

You should also know that an article titled “Cuomo threatens lawmakers with extended session to finish business” written by Bernadette Hogan appears in the June 7, 2019 edition of the New York Post.  Here is how the article begins: “Gov. Andrew Cuomo threatened to hold state lawmakers hostage in Albany this summer if they can’t agree to pass rent reform before the end of the legislative session on June 19.”

 

It is important for you to know that unlike the Republicans, we Democrats are proudly defined as being opposed to homelessness and as champions of affordable housing for all.

 

If this is still true, then Democrats in New York State need to get their act together this week, if not, landlords will be able to evict tenants without cause, and rent regulated apartments will be turned into free-market units.

 

According to Ms. Hogan’s article: “Laws covering nearly 1 million rent-stabilized tenants in New York City are set to expire June 15, and the Legislature is considering a broad new set of tenant protections that are deeply unpopular with landlords because the laws would limit their ability to raise rents or take units out of rent stabilization.”

 

It is important for you to know that Governor Andrew Cuomo has given his word that he will sign into law whatever rent package the Senate passes. So what is the delay in passing these bills before rent and tenant protection laws expire?

 

My dear reader, with Democrats in control in New York State, why is this dreaded deadline still looming overhead?

 

With Democrats in control, why are protesters filling buses to Albany to jam the hallways with chants and signs to demand universal rent control regulations?

 

With Democrats in control, why are truly concerned housing advocates, including NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, getting arrested in Albany during these protests?

 

Should there be any reason at all for Governor Cuomo to have to threaten elected officials that he will keep them in Albany after Session if they do not pass these laws to protect New York’s tenants?

 

You should know that many of my constituents and people here in the South Bronx are extremely troubled about this, as am I. But what can I say to those who tell me repeatedly that they vote for Democrats because they believe the Democrats are there to represent their needs, and then they have such anxiety because New York Democrats in charge haven’t resolved this matter yet?

 

With all of the public protests – and Governor Andrew Cuomo having to act like a Den mom – I can only hope the Democratic chaos will end and New York’s senior citizens, families and individuals will get the affordable housing they need.

 

I am Council Member Reverend Rubén Díaz, Sr. and this is what you should know.