De Blasio urges Albany to act on rent rules, schools
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday urged Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers to strengthen his city’s rent regulations and modify a real estate tax break to require more affordable housing, saying there is no excuse for inaction on issues affecting millions of city residents.
De Blasio traveled to the capital city to press his case personally, meeting with Cuomo and top lawmakers at a critical time for his legislative agenda. He discounted predictions that the recent arrests of the former Senate and Assembly leaders have paralyzed state government, saying the final weeks of the legislative session offer “a chance for Albany to turn the page” on its recent scandals.
“The reputation of Albany is on the line,” he said. “A lot of problems have occurred up here. People all over the state are disappointed in Albany. It’s a chance for Albany to turn the page and do some things that will actually restore faith.”