THE ASSEMBLY STATE OF NEW YORK ALBANY

Eliot Spitzer
Governor
Executive Chamber, State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Spitzer:

As Assembly Members representing New York City, we urge you to sign S.4329 (Lanza), A.7905 (Lopez), a bill which is before you for approval. It would provide equity in rent payment policy by requiring the State to pay public housing authorities the same shelter allowance that it pays private landlords for tenants on public assistance.

The amount of shelter allowance funding provided to a public housing authority such as the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) each year is determined by a State formula that establishes the maximum payment per household receiving public assistance. The current maximum payments per household are significantly lower for public housing units than for all other types. Public housing is no less expensive to operate than private housing. In addition, public housing authorities are required by law to provide residents with various social services, which are costly. Without an increase in the shelter allowance, public housing, the last source of truly affordable housing for low-income people, is increasingly at risk.

NYCHA is facing serious fiscal difficulties, in part because the State and New York City governments do not provide adequate operating funds. NYCHA recently announced that it will lay off 500 employees, reduce services, and consider other drastic cost-saving measures, which will have a negative effect on the tenants. It is becoming nearly impossible for low- and moderate-income people in New York to find decent affordable housing, especially in New York City.

Providing public housing authorities with more adequate income for tenants on public assistance would help preserve a key part of our existing affordable housing stock.

Best regards.

Very truly yours,

The following Assembly Members have also endorsed this letter: