Albany, NY – In response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s guidance for the Department of Financial services to combat discrimination in the Affordable Housing Market, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Chair of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, and Assemblymember David Weprin, Assemblymember Insurance Committee Chair, released the following statement:

“This week, Governor Hochul has taken a critical step forward in combating the discrimination seen in New York’s housing market. As the cost of housing continues to rise across the county, underserved communities of color face mounting prejudice as they look for a place to live. Prohibiting insurers from taking part in these practices will promote fairness and accessibility in the housing market for groups that have oppressed, both historically and systemically, for generations,” stated Caucus Chair Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, “While there is still much work to be done for the people of this state in the fight for affordable housing, Governor Hochul’s decision to come down on this discriminatory practice will help residents find a place they can truly call home. Affordable housing is a fundamental right, and it is crucial that this is done to ensure there is equitable access to housing for all New Yorkers. I will stay committed to supporting these initiatives and I applaud the implementation of these vital regulations.”

“As Chair of the NYS Assembly Committee on Insurance, I sponsored a bill to prohibit insurers from inquiring about a tenant’s source of income and whether a building contains affordable housing before making coverage decisions, and I wholeheartedly commend Governor Hochul’s inclusion of it in the state budget. Discrimination against low-income tenants must be stopped. Every New Yorker has the right to get insurance no matter how much they earn or how their housing is subsidized. Affordable Housing needs to be kept affordable and this is a step in the right direction.” stated Assemblymember David Weprin, Assembly Insurance Chair.