Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark) has come out against bill A.11181, which  prevents landlords from evicting tenants who have failed to pay rent due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brabenec and others in the Assembly believe this measure is irresponsible and seeks to help one group of New Yorkers at the expense of others. Both the Assembly and state Senate held special sessions on Monday to vote on this single bill before the beginning of the regularly scheduled session next week. The Majority is facing criticism from struggling families across the state and called this special session to pass a singular bill that does not address any of the other problems New York state is facing.

“Majority politicians have decided to call a special session only days before the New Year and for what? The bill they claim is so essential for the safety and security of the people of New York fails to address almost all of the major ramifications citizens have faced due to this pandemic,” said Brabenec. “I strongly oppose this bill and I stand by my decision to vote against it.

“The only thing this bill actually does is prevent landlords, many of whom rely on the revenue from their properties to pay their own bills, from being able to make a living. In a time when so many people are hurting, we must figure out a way to help those who are unable to pay their bills due to the pandemic. This bill, however, simply attempts to give renters relief by passing their burden onto their neighbors. Yet again we see thoughtless legislation from New York City politicians that completely disregards the rest of the state and creates more problems than it could ever hope to address.”