New York, NY – On November 20, 2023, Assemblymember Grace Lee joined Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, elected officials, and advocates on the Lower East Side to celebrate the $391 million in funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) included in New York’s state budget. See the Assemblymember’s statement below:

“As the representative for thirteen NYCHA developments across Lower Manhattan, I saw firsthand how public and subsidized housing residents suffered disproportionately during the pandemic,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “The financial challenges they faced were immense, and I personally know many residents who had to make the unthinkable decision between paying their rent or burying their loved ones, putting food on the table for their families, or paying medical bills. Despite needing support the most, public and subsidized housing residents were deprioritized for emergency rent relief and denied access to the resources all other New Yorkers were given. The $391 million we secured to fund ERAP in this year’s state budget is life-changing relief for these residents and will allow thousands of families across New York State to stay in their homes. I thank the residents, my colleagues in the legislature, and Governor Hochul for fighting for this cause, and I look forward to continuing our work to provide safe, affordable, dignified housing to all New Yorkers.”