Dear friends,
Albert Einstein said;
In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.
Unfortunately, it has been the case that when the government spends big to address a crisis, there are opportunistic grifters ready to exploit the system. This is exactly what’s happened with the 421-a tax benefit program for landlords. More than 1,500 landlords who own rent stabilized buildings accepted the tax benefits but failed to comply with the rules designed to keep rents reasonable.
The Housing Rights Initiative has filed lawsuits in State Supreme Court regarding three properties that appear to have collected over $20 million from the program without adhering to the rent guidelines. Last month, a bill was introduced in both houses of the state legislature to require a yearly audit of the 421a program. The bill is an important tool for determining whether the program is a viable way to provide affordable housing. In a city where half the residents are paying more than 30 percent of their income in rent, we need housing advocates.
Support the Housing Rights Initiative.
Yesterday, I forgot to remind you of some initiatives to address the climate crisis with necessary vision, so I’m going to do that right now:
There is a bill before the NYS legislature, the Build Public Renewables Act, to require the New York Power Authority to provide renewable energy to all state- and city-owned properties by 2025. The law would move us closer to the vision of a fully-renewable and publicly owned energy system.
Use this script to call your state representative and senator to ask them to support A1466/S6453.
The momentum is building to pass the Climate and Community Investment Act to make polluters pay for a just transition. At Tuesday’s rally, a 12-year-old speaker fired up the crowd. There were rallies like ours all over the state. The bill is in the Environmental Committee.
Use this tool to email all of the members of the Environmental Committees of both the Assembly and Senate. One minute action!
The proposed plastics complex would impinge on nearby wetlands, reducing the natural protection of communities from flooding. The Biden administration can revoke the federal permit that would allow construction to begin.
Call on the President to protect the people of Louisiana and invest in the Civilian Climate Corps. Here’s a ready-made message!
Finally, this is a fun read as you contemplate your mayoral choices:
Read Mayoral Candidates Tell Us Which NYC Building They'd Tear Down & More
Have a great weekend!
with love,
L