New York Legislature Even More Inept Than Previously Thought

(from fotopedia.org)

If you thought the incumbents in Albany lowered the bar when they almost didn’t pass a budget on time, get ready for another back-breaking game of legislative limbo.

Last night, in-fighting between Democrat and Republican members of the New York State Legislature caused New York City rent control laws to expire at midnight.

Fortunately, tenants’ rents should not be affected if the lapse is only temporary.

“While the rent laws have expired, negotiations in  the state capitol are ongoing and are expected to be completed within  the next few days. More than one million New Yorkers in rent-regulated  housing are our highest priority,” said Housing and Community Renewal Commissioner Darryl Towns, as reported by the Legislative Gazette . “New York State Homes and  Community Renewal will be working diligently to ensure that tenants  remain protected in this period.”

A bill capping property tax increases for homeowners at 2% was also stalled, as negotiations between the Democrat-led Assembly and  Republican-led Senate continued past the 12:01 am deadline.

Senator Diane Savino (D, IP, WF-Staten Island, Brooklyn) tagged the proceedings as “the worst of political games.”

Legislative Gazette: Rent control extender dies in Senate, Lawmakers bracing for longer session to settle the issue