Ocasio-Cortez, other elected officials talk housing, rent reform

More than 100 Bronx tenants came out on a rainy night for the Housing Justice Town Hall, listening to elected leaders and chanting for their cause.

News 12 Staff

May 31, 2019, 2:09 AM

Updated 2,032 days ago

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More than 100 Bronx tenants came out on a rainy night for the Housing Justice Town Hall, listening to elected leaders and chanting for their cause.
Local housing coalition leaders and community advocates spoke to tenants from around the borough about the current housing laws protecting millions of renters across the city that are set to expire June 15. They say these laws weren't strong enough, and that more needs to be done.
State Assemblywoman Natalia Fernandez and state Sens. Alessandra Biaggi and Jamaal Bailey spoke about the nine universal rent control regulations that could become state law. They added that the provisions outlined in the Housing Justice for All bill will protect tenants from being unfairly evicted or harassed out of their homes with rent hikes.
The elected officials say loopholes will be closed and Bronx residents will be able to stay in their homes and afford rent.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also discussed what is being done on the federal level to advocate for eliminating tax codes that incentivise bad behavior to get dignified housing for all.
While there is no set date for a vote, the state senators say they're working around the clock to try to pass the bill before the current laws expire on June 15.