S717

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday to expand the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption program by excluding unreimbursed medical and prescription drug expenses from income calculations used to determine eligibility. The bill, S717, sponsored by Sen. Cleare, passed on a 62-0 vote. The SCRIE program currently serves more than 100,000 households in New York City by freezing rents for seniors on fixed incomes, but strict income caps prevent many eligible seniors from accessing the benefit. By allowing deduction of essential medical costs, the legislation aims to keep more seniors eligible for rent freezes and enable them to remain in their communities as they age. Sen. Cleare credited advocacy from the A. Phillip Randolph Center for pushing the measure forward.

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday to expand the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption program by excluding unreimbursed medical and prescription drug expenses from income calculations used to determine eligibility. Senate Print 717, sponsored by Sen. Cleare, passed on a 61-1 vote, with only Sen. Walczyk voting in opposition. The SCRIE program currently serves over 100,000 households in New York City but has income caps that prevent eligible seniors from accessing benefits. By allowing medical expenses to be deducted from income, the bill aims to help more seniors on fixed incomes remain eligible for rent protections and age in place within their communities. Sen. Cleare cited advocacy from the A. Philip Randolph Senior Center in her district, which noted the legislation would assist seniors in affording housing costs and living more independently.