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State Budget Includes $100 Million for Public Housing – First Infusion of State Funds Since 1998
New York, NY (April 1st, 2015) – Community Voices Heard Power Inc (CVH Power) is excited to announce a victory in urging Governor Andrew Cuomo and State legislative leaders to increase funding for funds to stop the deterioration of city owned housing units. The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) – the largest public housing program in the country and once a national model – will be receiving $100 million in the state budget deal announced between Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders. The $100 million allocated for NYCHA is the first infusion of state funds for NYCHA since 1998.
Over the last 15 years, residents of NYCHA housing have seen their living conditions rapidly deteriorate as a result of inadequate funding from the city and state governments. Buildings have fallen into disrepair and the quality of life as a result of such deterioration has also suffered.
CVH Power – which fights on behalf of low-income and people of color in New York State = spearheaded a successful Lobby Day in Albany two weeks ago pushing the Governor and state lawmakers to provide funding to NYCHA. CVH Power was joined in Albany by close to 500 New York City public housing residents, other public housing advocates, and almost a score of members of the State Legislature (18 in all).
“We fought the fight and we were victorious,” stated Vernell Robinson, a NYCHA resident and Community Voices Heard Power leader.
“Decent, affordable housing in America should be a human right. I want to especially applaud State Senator Klein (D – 34th Senate District – Bronx) for taking a leading and active role in pushing for greater funding from the State. He was an active and persuasive voice inside the room with Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders and the victory that public housing residents gained was very much due to his leadership,” added Robinson.
CVH Power will now turn its focus to the NYC Budget and ensuring that Mayor Bill de Blasio allocate the $300 Million in funds for NYCHA capital needs that he proposed last month. There will be a press conference at City Hall on April 9th, 2015 to this effect.
Community Voices Heard Power is a member-led organization which advocates on behalf of low-income families and individuals, especially those of color, for greater economic and social empowerment and fairness. It currently has chapters located in Westchester, Orange and Dutchess counties as well as a chapter covering the five boroughs of New York City. CVH Power Inc. is a sister affiliated organization to Community Voices Heard.
CVH Power is passionate about and fiercely committed to the active involvement of citizens in the working and operations of their government. It encourages active participation in the electoral process as well as the legislative processes of the State Legislature, counties and municipalities.
For additional information about CVH Power’s public housing campaign contact Mo George at 212-860-6001, cell 646-243-3249 or by email at [email protected]. To learn more about Community Voices Heard or Community Voices Heard Power please visit our websites at www.CVHaction.org or www.CVHpower.org.