City Council Poised to Overturn Mayor's Veto on Housing Voucher Rent Hike
In a move that could benefit thousands of low-income New Yorkers, the city council is expected to override Mayor Eric Adams' veto of a bill aimed at preventing rent hikes for housing voucher recipients. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, would cap contributions towards rent for households using CityFHEPS rental assistance vouchers at 30%, regardless of whether they have earned income or rely on other forms of assistance.
The measure aligns with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) guidelines, which consider a household "cost-burdened" when it spends more than 30% of its monthly income on housing costs. By limiting rent contributions to this level, the bill aims to prevent lower-income workers from becoming seriously rent-burdened.
The city council has passed the bill with a veto-proof majority last month and now appears poised to override Adams' decision despite his assertion that the measure would undermine future mayoral authority and burden businesses with unenforceable requirements. In fact, City Council members have called Adams' actions "embarrassing".
Adams' first deputy mayor, Randy Mastro, has defended the mayor's vetoes as necessary measures to maintain the integrity of social services in New York City. However, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who previously promised to expand access to the housing voucher program, now appears set to take a different approach. His campaign website indicates that he plans to drop lawsuits against CityFHEPS and ensure expansion proceeds as scheduled.
The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for thousands of low-income New Yorkers relying on housing vouchers to afford their living costs. With the city council expected to override Adams' veto, it appears that these households may soon benefit from more affordable rent contributions.
In a move that could benefit thousands of low-income New Yorkers, the city council is expected to override Mayor Eric Adams' veto of a bill aimed at preventing rent hikes for housing voucher recipients. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, would cap contributions towards rent for households using CityFHEPS rental assistance vouchers at 30%, regardless of whether they have earned income or rely on other forms of assistance.
The measure aligns with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) guidelines, which consider a household "cost-burdened" when it spends more than 30% of its monthly income on housing costs. By limiting rent contributions to this level, the bill aims to prevent lower-income workers from becoming seriously rent-burdened.
The city council has passed the bill with a veto-proof majority last month and now appears poised to override Adams' decision despite his assertion that the measure would undermine future mayoral authority and burden businesses with unenforceable requirements. In fact, City Council members have called Adams' actions "embarrassing".
Adams' first deputy mayor, Randy Mastro, has defended the mayor's vetoes as necessary measures to maintain the integrity of social services in New York City. However, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who previously promised to expand access to the housing voucher program, now appears set to take a different approach. His campaign website indicates that he plans to drop lawsuits against CityFHEPS and ensure expansion proceeds as scheduled.
The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for thousands of low-income New Yorkers relying on housing vouchers to afford their living costs. With the city council expected to override Adams' veto, it appears that these households may soon benefit from more affordable rent contributions.
. It's crazy how Mayor Eric Adams was all against this bill at first, but now it seems like he's being overridden by the city council 
. The idea of capping rent contributions to 30% makes total sense - who wouldn't want to pay that much on their housing costs? 
It's also interesting to see how Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is already taking a different approach to social services 
. Maybe this will be the start of some positive changes for NYC's most vulnerable residents 
. If they're already struggling to make ends meet, can't we just make it a bit easier for them? 30% of their income towards rent sounds like a decent starting point 
. Plus, its not like the city is going to lose money or anything - its just about making life a little more affordable for those who need it most 
I think its about time we give those who are already struggling with rent a break! It's crazy that they're having to spend like 70% of their income just on housing costs. Like, isn't that just unfair? 
And honestly, I'm not really sure why the mayor is being so stubborn about this. Like, what's the harm in giving people a bit more financial breathing room? 
. Capping their contributions at 30% might even be beneficial for the city, as it'll encourage them to get jobs and become more financially independent. And let's be real, if the City Council is so sure this bill is a good idea, why are they voting against Adams' vetoes just because he said something was "embarrassing"? 
It seems like everyone wants to play politics and ignore the fact that some of these households might not even have jobs or income. But hey, I guess I'm just being contrarian... again 
.
if they do override mayor adams' veto then thousands of low-income new yorkers will finally get some relief from those super high rent prices 
it's like, can u even imagine having to spend more than 30% of ur monthly income on rent?!? that's just crazy talk 
The city council is about to make a huge move for low-income families in NYC! 
They're going to override Mayor Eric Adams' veto on the bill that limits rent contributions for housing voucher recipients to 30%. This means thousands of households who are struggling to pay rent can finally breathe a sigh of relief. 
It's all about making sure these families aren't paying more than 30% of their income towards rent, which is a total game-changer. #JusticeForLowIncomeFamilies 
. On one hand, it's great to see low-income families being protected from unfair rent hikes and able to afford their basic needs 
. I mean, if the mayor vetoes something, does that mean they have the power to decide what's best for everyone? Or is it just about their own interests? 
It's like, are we really that desperate for change that we're willing to blindly follow anyone who promises it? 
It's amazing how much of a difference this bill could make for thousands of low-income New Yorkers who are struggling to afford rent. 
I mean, 30% is still pretty steep, but at least it's a start, right? 
The fact that City Council members are calling out his vetoes as "embarrassing" is pretty satisfying too. 
It's all about making sure everyone has access to affordable housing and a decent quality of life. 
hope this is just the beginning of some real change in NYC 
And why does City Council want to override him if they think it's better for people?
. And I'm loving the fact that Mayor-elect Mamdani is taking a more inclusive approach – it's like he's saying, "Hey, we've got this!" 
anyway, i think it's great that the city council is standing up for these people and pushing for a more affordable solution 
. And I don't get why Adams is being so stubborn about this 
at least Zohran Mamdani gets it - he actually promised to expand access to housing vouchers, not undermine them like Adams did. 
hopefully the city council will do what's right and override that veto, so people can finally afford to live without stressing about rent all the time 
news and I'm SO down 
for low-income New Yorkers who are struggling to pay their rent 
. This bill is all about making sure they can afford a safe place to live 
without breaking the bank 
! Fingers crossed 
. but hey, if it's good for them, i guess that's what matters 
. btw, zohran mamdani sounds like a super cool guy 
gotta love him for keepin thru on his promises