Marriage equality isn't the only big issue in Albany right now, how could it be when there are rent regulations to fight over? Last night the legislature was unable to even temporarily extend the existing regulations to buy time while the leaders work out the kinks on an agreement, so instead they let the rules on rent controlled and rent stabilized apartments expire. And Governor Andrew Cuomo is not amused.
The Governor put out this statement today, shaming Albany pols for letting this happen:
Affordable housing is an all too scarce commodity, especially in New York City and the surrounding areas. Our state's rent protection laws are essential and any long term expiration would create a crisis. Last night the State Senate—both Democrats and Republicans—failed to continue the laws beyond their expiration. We are making progress but the Senate's failure to act last night was unacceptable and a betrayal of the one million tenants living in rent protected apartments. I will not allow the legislature to go out of session and go home until tenants are protected. I am prepared to call special session to keep the legislature in place until there are rent protection laws in place.
At issue last night, as ever, was that Republicans wanted at most to simply extend existing rent regulations short term, while Democrats wanted at least a longer-term extension that would make it harder to deregulate apartments. Not that anyone wants to take the blame. “I’ve indicated I’m favor of a straight extension,” Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos told reporters today. “That’s why we were prepared to vote for that last night until Democrats voted it down.”
If a deal on rent regulations doesn't come tonight or tomorrow, Cuomo is threatening to keep everyone working through the weekend (the horror!). Meanwhile, if you live in a rent controlled or rent stabilized apartment and feel you have been harassed by your landlord, the New York State Homes & Community Renewal has set up hot lines and an e-mail address to offer assistance.
