Maltese calls on the Governor for HCR to release HCR Funds-Rents

Maryann Maltese, Democratic Candidate-NYS Assembly 12th AD, calls out Andrew Cuomo, to check on the status of when Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) will process rental arrear applications tenants who are not essential workers, caring for one with COVID 19 or reduced hours due to COVID 19 who submitted COVID 19 Rental Housing applications to fend off potential evictions in October 2020. Maryann Maltese, is a Former Regional Communications Manager for the NYS Legislature for 18 years, worked for Chairs of Economic Development and has a strong concentration of Housing Issues. Ms Maltese is also a licensed Real Estate Associate who donates her time to Community causes such as Gifts for Hospitalized Veterans at Northport VA.

It's clear that COVID 19 State of Emergency Orders continues to keep working family members at home, not earning the incomes they're use to earning and forcing the issue that potential tenant evictions will hit Housing Court this October 2020-if rent arrears aren't paid once the State of Emergency injunction is removed and we- this community- might be subjected to a massive Housing Crisis like in the 1980's. In the 12th Assembly District-our economy is supported by Retail, Restaurants and Beauty/Barber Salons-these businesses are the lifeblood of East Northport-Northport School District as well as the State Assembly District at large-its these business which are being held to strict CDC and NYS DOH policies to follow presently and with social distancing mandates in effect- its causing limited earning potential, limited services, some civil fines for violating state mandates so local businesses- are not earning income; but they're still required to pay back rental commercial arrears in October 2020. Now let's discuss the tenants that live in the District-renting out one or two family homes in the Township of Huntington, North Babylon and West Islip-many of these tenants- are still furloughed or working lighter work schedules not earning their full potential, on employment or PUA-which might place many in possible eviction housing procedures or face high risk factors of homelessness.

To prevent this from happening-The Governor needs to Order that HCR release the rental arrears for those applicants that qualify for back payments of the last 4-5 months NOW-to starve off mass Landlord Tenant eviction fillings to further help the district's small landlords and tenants get back on their feet. The HCR Program if approved provides rental arrears for those qualified and not making payments from April-August 2020. By the Governor-not waiting any longer and giving HCR the green light to process and approve the HCR-COVID rental Applications will ease anxiety of both tenants and landlord. I'm obviously speaking about amicable Landlord-Tenant relationships where both are living and sustaining good business relations during COVID times-but going forward- NYS does not regulate the smaller landlord and if they choose to begin a hold-over proceeding-they can and if tenants are in 5-6 months of rent arrears-eviction filings will occur.

Newsday today reported-Tenants are waiting for a second federal unemployment bump, which will temporarily offer many New Yorkers $300 more a week. Many Long Islanders sought assistance through a state rental assistance initiative, which is no longer accepting applications. The agency administering that program, Homes and Community Renewal, previously said subsidies — which may cover a portion of tenants’ rent for up to four months — would likely be issued by the end of summer.

NYS through HCR needs to process those HCR COVID 19 applications now-and if NYS isn't ready to lift the State of Emergency Orders pertaining to the economy-then NYS HCR needs to consider funding the HCR program again. If NYS does not move forward in January 2020 from COVID-I'll introduce that Bill language to permanently implement a version of the HCR program to be established with State of Emergency Matters cause mass destruction like COVID 19. Join me in encouraging the Governor to release the HCR funds to cover rental arrears for those applicants who are approved to receive it asap to avoid massive homelessness in the community, said Maltese. You can reach the Governor's office at Governor.ny.gov

To support my election law challenge for the NYS 12th AD-as I have not conceded, contact maryannmaltesefornysassembly@gmail.com