Hi John,

Budget negotiations are now well into overtime, and housing has emerged as the major stumbling block to a deal. Right now lawmakers are considering rolling back key wins to prevent rent hikes and tenant harassment in exchange for a watered down "good cause" law. Over 150,000 students in New York State experience unstable housing, which makes it harder for them to learn. Call your representative and demand NO rollbacks of rent stabilization!

The intersections of housing, education, and racial justice cannot and must not be ignored. For too many children, being unhoused or experiencing housing instability is a major barrier to academic success. Discriminatory housing policies and practices that disproportionately affect Black and brown families to this day are a main driver of educational inequality and the opportunity gap between schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

Take action by contacting your elected representatives to support the Good Cause Tenant Protections (S305/A4454) bill in this year's now doubly late state budget. Our allies in the housing justice movement — including Housing Justice for All, Community Voices Heard, Citizen Action, and Make the Road to name just a few — are fighting for this critical legislation will empower tenants to challenge unfair evictions and discrimination by landlords, ensuring more stability for students, families, and communities statewide.

Let’s unite our efforts to address the many intersecting challenges facing New Yorkers across generations, spanning the likes of public education, housing, child care, and environmental protections. The truth is, we don’t need to choose; as one of the wealthiest states in the country, New Yorkers can and should have all of their basic needs met. Together, we can create a more just and equitable society where every student has the opportunity to thrive in school, and every community member enjoys the right to safe and affordable housing.

In solidarity,

Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari and Marina Marcou-O’Malley

Co-Executive Directors

Alliance for Quality Education

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