Hey everyone —

I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. I’m reaching out today with an update on our response to the coronavirus in New York City.

The New York City Council is working closely with the state and federal government to provide as much help as we can to the people who need it, as quickly as possible.

But this pandemic is touching every aspect of our society, and we need to do more to help people out of work and struggling to pay the bills through no fault of their own.

Hundreds of thousands of people who had stable employment just weeks ago are now out of work and worried about how they will survive.

It’s clear that we need rent relief for those impacted by the crisis. I support State Sen. Michael Gianaris’ efforts to suspend rent for people who lost income because of this epidemic. I particularly want to help make sure that people who couldn’t pay during this difficult time won’t be hit with exorbitant back rents that they can’t afford when they do eventually get back up on their feet.

I know that landlords have bills, and that the property taxes they pay help fund our city budget. I believe we should balance rent relief with assistance for building owners whose tenants are suffering -- especially mom and pop landlords and non-profit building owners. We’re all in this together.

It’s not just rent people are struggling to pay. I’ve talked to food pantries and non-profits, and they’ve seen a surge in requests from New Yorkers who have never needed help before.

This is a difficult time for so many people in our city. That’s why I’m asking you to support the Food Bank for New York City and Met Council today. These organizations are doing crucial work to make sure people stay fed and healthy in the coming weeks.

If it makes financial sense for you, please consider contributing today to the Food Bank for New York City and Met Council. They’re going to need all the support we can give them right now. You can make a contribution here >>

Thanks for all you do for our city. Together, with a little bit of New York creativity, compassion, and grit, we’re going to get through this.

Talk soon,

— Corey

Corey Johnson
NYC Council Speaker

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