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Adams and homeless
(New York, NY) – Mayor Adams has vetoed a package of housing bills the New York City Council passed in a bid to address homelessness. This continues a point of disagreement between the mayor’s office and the council. Adams argues if the bills were made law, vulnerable New Yorkers would have been subjected to longer stays in shelters, all while the city would be on the hook for billions more in annual costs.
In a statement released announcing he veto, Adams said the council “passed (a) package of bills that would make it harder for those experiencing homelessness to find a permanent home.” It’s also not a surprising move, given Adams recently suspended what’s often known as the “90-day rule,” which established the time by which homeless New Yorkers must apply for rental vouchers.
Housing advocates, including The Legal Aid Society, wants the City Council to override the mayor’s veto. Legal Aid Society attorney Adriene Holder released a statement that reads: “The Mayor’s veto of a package of legislation that would have greatly increased housing stability for our clients is a needless and unfortunate political stunt that delays viable solutions to combat our worsening homelessness and eviction crises.”
