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Governor Andrew Cuomo warned that he will not sign the state budget unless it includes real remedy for New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Last week, Gov. Cuomo proposed additional $250 million funding for NYCHA in the state budget. The State of New York has no legal obligation to provide funding for the housing authority because it a federal government project. However, the state already committed $300 million for it. During a press briefing yesterday, the governor reiterated that the living conditions he saw at NYCHA properties are “disgusting, intolerable, and uninhabitable.” Once again, Gov. Cuomo apologized to NYCHA residents on behalf of the State of New York.   According to him, the funding is necessary to support improvements for NYCHA properties including securing hot water for families and removing decades-old mold and lead paint. Gov. Cuomo said, “I pledge the residents on NYCHA, this hand will not sign the state budget unless there is real remedy that is going to make the repairs at NYCHA and make them in real time.”

Gov. Cuomo says the NYCHA situation is a civil rights abuse

In his remarks, Gov. Cuomo emphasized that the current situation at NYCHA properties demonstrates a failure of the political and justice system. He agreed to the tenants’ attorney that it is a “civil rights abuse.” In addition, the governor criticized the NYCHA as incompetent and it is discriminating its tenants. The current hazardous living conditions in its properties will not happen if its tenants are wealthy and powerful. Gov. Cuomo asked, “What is a common denominator between the schools in these areas, between the bail and justice, between Rikers Island, and between the residents of NYCHA? They are all poor minorities. Do you think for one minute, if the tenants of NYCHA were powerful and wealthy, the city would be saying, it's going to take us four years to change a boiler? Do you think that would be the response?” The governor emphasized, “It’s a pervasive civil rights abuse. It is discrimination, pure and simple.” Furthermore, Gov. Cuomo emphasized that government is not about symbolism. It is about results and improving people’s lives. He said politicians must be held accountable for the situation at NYCHA properties. The governor then quoted John 3:18, “Let us love not in words or talk but in deed and in truth.” In conclusion, Gov. Cuomo said, “No more talking, no more bureaucracy. No more politicians covering the rear end of other politicians. It's time to get results for the tenants of NYCHA.”