NEW YORK — April is just one week away, which means rent is due for many New Yorkers who were laid off amid New York’s coronavirus outbreak and the governor’s order for non-essential businesses to shift to work-from-home setups.
New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer wants struggling New Yorkers to know they shouldn’t feel the need to move out of their apartments if they can’t make next month’s rent. Speaking on the PIX11 Morning News on Tuesday, Stringer said anyone who is concerned about rent should call his office.
“They should contact my office immediately and we will try to help them with their individual issues,” Stringer said. “Assistance is hopefully on the way, and we will try to help every constituent. There are agencies we can put them in touch with.”
The $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package being considered in Congress would help every day New Yorkers who are struggling to make ends meet as well as the City of New York, which is facing a $1.5 billion budget deficit, Stringer says.
Stringer expects the coronavirus outbreak will cost New York City between $4.8 billion and $6.8 billion in lost revenue.
“What it means is that right now the city will have a $1.5 billion budget deficit, at least,” Stringer said. “And that’s why the stimulus package coming out of Washington is so critical for our budget and for the people of New York City.”
When asked if all this could lead to a recession or depression in the national economy, Stringer said “decisive action” from federal and local leaders could prevent that from happening.
“We have to do everything we can so we don’t get to use words like depression,” he said, adding that is why the stimulus package is so important.
