Res 0059-2014

By Council Members Koslowitz, Gentile, Johnson, Levine, Mendez, Rose, Vacca, Vallone, Rosenthal, Constantinides and Menchaca Whereas, In 1970, New York City instituted the senior citizen rent increase exemption (SCRIE) program to help shield low-income seniors from rising housing costs; and Whereas, Under the SCRIE program, rent increases are limited for qualifying seniors and in return, participating landlords receive a property tax abatement equal to the amount of the rent forgiven; and Whereas, Tenants are eligible for the SCRIE program if they are at least 62 years old, have a total household income that does not exceed $50,000, reside in a rent controlled or rent stabilized apartment, or a rent regulated residential hotel, and if the maximum rent or legal regulated rent is increased to a level that exceeds one-third of their household's income; and Whereas, Cost of living adjustments to entitlement programs such as Social Security have caused some seniors to lose SCRIE benefits as their income levels rose; and Whereas, If SCRIE household income limits were based upon changes in the regional consumer price index and the definition of income excluded medical and prescription drug expenses, which are not reimbursed or paid for by insurance, more people would be able to remain in the program without fear they would get kicked out; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Assembly to pass, the New York State Senate to introduce and pass, and the Governor to sign legislation providing for increases pursuant to changes in the consumer price index for the senior citizen rent increase exemption (SCRIE). KET 2/4/14 2:10PM Res. 1896-2013 LS 501/2014