The Legal Aid Society is asking Albany lawmakers to ensure that New York’s Fiscal Year 2023 Executive Budget includes adequate funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The call comes in response to the Biden Administration’s recent allotment of just over $119 million, which is significantly less than the statewide need.

“This latest round of ERAP funding from the Biden Administration falls drastically short of the statewide demand we are seeing from tenants at risk of eviction,” said Judith Goldiner, Attorney-In-Charge of the Civil Law Reform Unit at The Legal Aid Society.

“Given this development, Albany lawmakers must ensure that the FY23 budget includes at least $1 billion earmarked to replenish ERAP,” she continued. “New York faces a tidal wave of evictions, and Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Heastie, and other legislators must prioritize keeping families in their homes.”