Statement from NYC Comptroller Brad Lander on Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State Address

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2024 State of the State Address: 

“New York City stands on solid ground to face the economic headwinds of the next year, but we need stronger support from the State to ensure we can meet challenges like the rising cost of living, providing care and shelter for the most vulnerable, and investing in our kids’ futures.” 

Housing:  

“With the housing debate still in search of a solution, we need the State to help confront the challenge of housing affordability in New York. It is encouraging to see the Governor re-up proposals to increase the State’s housing supply and legalize basement and cellar apartments – interventions which are long overdue. But as I have long said, we need an ‘inclusive growth’ strategy that creates many more new units at all income levels, protects tenants from displacement with ‘good cause’ protections, and scales up the footprint of the social housing sector to ensure genuine and permanent affordability. 

“As part of that comprehensive approach to our housing crisis, I proposed a plan that would reduce the tax rate for newly constructed rental multifamily housing, rather than an inefficient tax giveaway program like 421a.  

“If the Governor can bring these various factions together and broker an agreement, we can begin to finally address this crisis.” 

Asylum seekers: 

“Despite thousands of asylum seekers arriving in New York over the last two years, the Governor failed to mention how the State plans to maintain the tradition of our welcome harbor for immigrants, home to the Statue of Liberty. The State must provide a meaningful share of the resources for shelter and services — and acknowledge that the right to shelter is grounded in the State’s constitution, by fulfilling that right with additional resources and coordination across localities.

“As in past generations, immigrants contribute mightily to New York City’s dynamism and economic fabric. The State must step up now to help.”  

Revenue for Educational Programs:  

“The Governor laid out a road map to continue addressing student mental health, a need supported at many schools with expiring federal COVID aid. But with federal COVID aid expiring, we must raise revenue to continue funding other valuable educational programs like 3-K, Summer Rising, and community schools. The State can help by backing modest revenue increases on the richest 1% of households so that municipalities across the state like ours can make critical investments for New York’s future.  

“The dream of a thriving New York laid out in today’s address can be achieved if the State works with us to address the affordable housing crisis, welcome our new arrivals and fund vital education programs.” 

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