Senator Addresses Affordable Housing Needs

BRONX –  New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Senate Democratic Leader,  addressed the annual Community Voices Heard (CVH) Member Congress on June 4th. This year’s theme was “Building Power Today for Tomorrow’s Future” with a major focus being the need for greater affordable housing options for all New Yorkers.

“For over 20 years, Community Voices Heard has fought for equality and respect for people whose voices have seldom been heard in the halls of power,” said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “The Senate Democrats have been consistent advocates for greater investment in affordable housing options throughout New York State, and we will continue that fight. Together with devoted activist organizations like Community Voices Heard, we will continue our work to make New York a stronger, fairer and more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.”

Senator Stewart-Cousins, the Senate Democratic leader, used the opportunity with Community Voices Heard to focus on her efforts to create more affordable housing throughout New York State. The Senator’s priority is to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to safe, affordable housing options in the communities they call home, and discussed multiple initiatives undertaken by the Democratic Conference to achieve that goal. She highlighted the Senate Democrats’ fight to enact the ‘Tenant Protection Act’ as well as hold state government accountable to act on the promised $2 billion investment in affordable housing made in 2015.

Community Voices Heard, formed in 1994, is a member-led multi-racial organization, principally women of color and low-income families in New York State. The organization has focused on building power to secure social, economic and racial justice for all. Their primary activities include grassroots organizing, leadership development, policy changes, and creating new models of direct democracy. Through dedication and tenacity, Community Voices Heard has grown from a small group of dedicated individuals into a multi-issue statewide organization devoted to improving the lives and prospects for low-income New Yorkers in NYC and throughout the state.