Irak Shehansky-Rivas testifies for NYSAFA supporting bills

Hello, good afternoon, Chair Schwang, Chair Lee, Chair Hanif, and members of the Committee on Finance, Aging, and Disabilities.

My name is Irak Shehansky-Rivas, New York City Policy Director at the New York State Association for Affordable Housing.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify on behalf of our membership today.

For 28 years, NYSAFA has represented the for-profit and not-for-profit developers, owners, and managers who build, finance, and operate affordable housing across New York State.

Many of our members serve senior citizens and people with disabilities who rely on screen and read to remain stably housed.

NISAFA supports introductions 307, 934, 978A, 1010, and 1033 together.

These bills streamline application and recertification, raise income eligibility thresholds, and make notice requirements more workable.

We also support resolutions 55, 470, 512, and 431, calling on Albany to establish automatic enrollment, expand re-eligibility beyond the head of household, protect benefits after a temporary increase on income,

and incentivize preservation of housing for seniors and people experiencing homelessness.

As these measures move forward, we encourage clear eligibility standards, efficient administration, protections for taxpayer information, and timely notice to property owners when exemptions change.

Because this hearing is oversight of the city implementation of recent SCRI reforms, we also urge that reforms be paired with adequate agency staffing and resources.

So, eligible

New Yorkers aren't left waiting for relief they already qualify for.

We will submit our full written testimony, which addresses each bill and solutions in more detail for the record.

Thank you for your leadership on these issues.