With the successful adoption of the Assembly’s one-house budget proposal, Assemblymember Steven Raga celebrates the inclusion of several of his key priorities.
Photo: New York State Assembly
This year, Assemblymember Steven Raga and Assemblymember Karines Reyes joined forces to advocate for the inclusion of $500 million for Mitchell-Lama capital investment support. While Assemblymember Steven Raga was able to secure $80 million last year, he and Assemblymember Reyes understood the dire need to increase the funding substantially to preserve affordable housing for low- and middle-income New Yorkers. Their partnership successfully secured $750 million for Mitchell-Lama preservation, along with $100 million for operating expenses.
Assemblymember Steven Raga stated, “This is a huge win to preserve affordable housing for low- and middle-income class New Yorkers. My district is home to the Big Six, a Mitchell-Lama that houses nearly 1,000 families and has been hit hard by recent local laws and high construction costs. The lack of investment from the state has led to thousands of Mitchell-Lamas becoming privatized, further worsening the housing affordability crisis. I am very happy the Assembly has recognized the need for a timely investment.”
He was also elated to see the inclusion of the New York Works and the NYC Renters Tax Credit. The New York Works tax credit combines the Earned Income tax credit, Empire State Child tax credit, and the dependent exemption into one combined credit for most taxpayers – efficiently streamlining savings for New Yorkers. He was also very pleased to see the creation of the NYC Renters tax credit which would create a new personal income tax credit for renters making less than $200,000. This would provide renters with a credit of up to $750. These inclusions are essential to helping make New York more affordable.
Another key priority the Assemblymember was pleased to see included in the one-house budget was universal school meals. School meals are sometimes students only guaranteed access to food, so this will ensure our students aren’t going hungry at school.
He celebrates the Assembly’s dedication to preserving affordable housing, putting more money in the pockets of New Yorkers, and ensuring our children are well-fed in schools. He looks forward to working with his colleagues to ensure these priorities are included in the enacted budget.
Assemblymember Steven Raga is the first Filipino American elected to any public office in New York State. Representing the 30th District in the New York State Assembly, which includes parts of the neighborhoods of Woodside, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Astoria, he is committed to championing legislation that supports the well-being, growth, and prosperity of his constituents and all New Yorkers.
