Re: Mayor Adams’ rule change on 90-day rule also adding new counterproductive work requirements that Council bill would eliminate

“For months as New York City’s shelter population grew, the Council raised the alarm around the need to remove barriers to CityFHEPS vouchers to help individuals and families leave shelter and transition to permanent housing. In response to inaction from the Administration, we introduced a comprehensive package of legislative solutions in January to not only address our homelessness crisis but a growing eviction crisis as well. As partners in government, we in good faith sought to work with the Administration for many months, and yet they inexplicably failed to meaningfully negotiate or constructively engage around the bills we eventually passed. At no point did they come to the table in earnest or support ending the 90-day rule, despite us postponing votes several times to leave space for their participation.

“It is deeply unfortunate that under the guise of eliminating the 90-day rule for all shelter entrants, the Administration added counterproductive work requirements for more potential voucher holders that our bill package would eliminate. This only adds barriers to New Yorkers’ abilities to access vouchers and economic opportunities for advancement, in direct contrast to the Council’s legislation. The Administration’s rule change also does nothing to help keep New Yorkers in their homes by preventing evictions, as a growing crisis has worsened under this Administration’s lack of intervention. To truly support those in city shelters, as well as those whose evictions will force their entry into them, the Administration should drop its opposition and employment of misleading half-measures and sign our bills into law.”

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