Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) joined colleagues from the state Legislature today in calling on the governor to release $1.3 billion being withheld in federal rent relief aid. These monies were designed to assist landlords and tenants. The funding was given to the state in December, but the governor has not yet released it.

“New Yorkers across our state, and in the 133rd Assembly District, are struggling to make ends meet. It is unacceptable that Albany is sitting on funding that could provide relief to landlords and tenants during this critical time,” said Byrnes, who is a member of the Assembly Housing Committee. “Property taxes, school taxes, mortgages hang in the balance, rent could be over a year late. While the governor has put in place protections for tenants who have not paid rent from being evicted during the pandemic, he has done nothing to help property owners and is now sitting on this money. The funding must be released immediately, and I am calling on the executive branch to do so at once.”

If New York State fails to distribute the federal rent relief aid by the September 1, 2021 deadline, it can be recaptured by the federal government and awarded to other states.

Byrnes said, “This federal aid is meant to help landlords and tenants. The longer Albany holds on to these federal funds, the more the people of this state suffer. Release the federal relief aid now.”