NY Assembly faces paper plane assault from Good Cause eviction activists
Albany Assembly members were bombarded with paper airplanes on Wednesday, as tenant activists sought to persuade Albany Democrats to back the “Good Cause” eviction protections. Roughly two dozen paper airplanes were thrown at Assembly members from the front balcony whilst the session was in progress. Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo, from Bayport, said: “What appeared to be a group of visitors observing from the gallery was actually a group of activists preparing for the air raid.” The activists have until June 8 to get the state Senate and Assembly to approve the idea before legislators leave Albany for the year.
FAQs:
What is the “Good Cause” eviction protection?
The “Good Cause” eviction protection would ban evictions unless there has been misbehavior from tenants, such as “maliciously” damaging property or failing to pay rent. Rent increases would also be limited to 3% each year or “one and one-half the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index,” whichever is higher.
Why did the tenant activists throw paper airplanes?
The paper airplane tactic was used to gain the attention of Assembly members and encourage them to support the “Good Cause” eviction protections.
Did the Housing Justice for All coalition approve of the use of paper airplanes?
Campaign coordinator Cea Weaver said that the coalition did not explicitly approve of the use of paper airplanes, but they “don’t try to define how people do their advocacy.”
Were there any arrests made?
It is unclear whether any arrests were made, as a state police spokesperson did not provide immediate comment.
When was the deadline for the activists to get the state Senate and Assembly to approve the idea?
The deadline for the activists to get the state Senate and Assembly to approve the idea was June 8, before legislators leave Albany for the year.
Activists advocating for Good Cause eviction attack NY Assembly with paper planes.
Tenant activists bombarded assembly members with paper airplanes in a dramatic push for “Good Cause” eviction protections. Roughly two dozen planes were thrown by activists from the balcony during Wednesday’s session, prompting state troopers to remove them from the scene at the New York State Capitol. Demonstrators are urging Albany Democrats to back the eviction-halting measure, despite opposition from landlords. The proposed legislation would prevent evictions without evidence of misbehaviour and would limit rent increases to 3% per year, or 1.5 times the annual rate of Consumer Price Index inflation, whichever is greater. Tenants have until 8 June to get the state assembly and senate to approve the bill before legislators leave Albany.