Members of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus are making an end-of-session agenda push that includes proposals meant to support education, health and criminal justice changes.
And the caucus is also focusing on an issue that took up much of the state budget negotiations: housing and tenant protections.
The caucus this week released its agenda as the legislative session is set to draw to a close on June 8, backing measures that include a bill that is meant to bolster protections for tenants against eviction while also capping rent increases by landlords.
Known as the Good Cause Eviction bill by its supporters, the legislation did not receive final approval in the state budget as Gov. Kathy Hochul's broader housing compact faltered in the talks.
The caucus is also calling for tenant measures like a right to counsel law as well as support for property owners to protect victims of theft.
"Our goal is to join forces and shape a brighter future for all New Yorkers. By tackling these important issues and fostering fairness, justice, and inclusivity, we can empower Black, Latino, and AAPI communities and build a more resilient state, " said state Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, the chair of the caucus.
Landlord organizations have opposed the "good cause" legislation, and Hochul did not publicly support it during the budget negotiations.
In a statement, the group Homeowners for an Affordable NY cheered the backing of the right-to-counsel measure while continuing to oppose the good cause proposal.
“Property owners across New York State are encouraged by the Caucus’s policy agenda that prioritizes both homeowners and tenants. Eighty percent of eviction filings in New York are the result of non-payment of rent," said Leanne Politi, a spokesperson for the group. "That’s why we join the Caucus in supporting Statewide Right to Counsel, which would bring immediate and needed relief to renters. That being said, we must restate our opposition to Good Cause Eviction legislation, which does nothing to address non-payment of rent or access to housing. Instead, it would result in higher rents for everyone and drive out small property owners across the state, including Black, Brown, and immigrant New Yorkers, many of whom have invested their life savings into properties as a way of supporting their families. We look forward to working with Governor Hochul and legislators in the remaining days of session to address the state’s housing challenges with responsible policy.”