For immediate release: August 23, 2018

Notice of News Conference

Date: Friday, August 24
Location: City Hall Steps, Manhattan
Time: 11:00 AM
Who: Howie Hawkins for Governor

Hawkins to Outline Affordable Housing Plan for New York City and State

Howie Hawkins, the Green Party nominee for Governor, will release his affordable housing agenda at a news conference on the steps of City Hall in Manhattan on Friday, August 24 at 11:00 AM.

Hawkins, who finished 3rd in the 2014 Gubernatorial election with 5% of the vote, will discuss steps to strengthen rent control, including repealing the Urstadt Law to restore home rule on NYC rent regulations. He will address the issues of homelessness, gentrification and displacement under Mayor de Blasio housing policies, and how to finance repairs at NYCHA and also build new public housing to relieve the housing affordability crisis. NYCHA needs $32 billion over the next five years to fix problems with lead, mold, elevators, boilers, roofs, and other repairs.

Unaffordable housing is a statewide problem. Over 50% of New York renters pay more than the federal affordability standard of 30% of household income. More than 25% pay more than 50% of their income in rent.