Harlem Senator Proposes Bill To Give Burdened Renters Tax Relief

HARLEM, NY — A New York lawmaker representing Harlem is proposing new legislation that would provide over-burdened renters with tax relief, according to statements and reports.

State Sen. Brian Benjamin's bill will create a refundable tax credit for New Yorkers paying more than 30% of their income in rent, the Daily News first reported. The legislation is modeled after a similar bill being pushed by California Sen. Kamala Harris, who Benjamin has endorsed for the Democratic nomination for president, according to the report.

"In this country, too many families are spending over 30% of their income in rent. This is really tragic for low-income families, who are living check to check and are struggling to get by. When families fall too far behind this helps to contribute to rising homelessness, etc," the state lawmaker said in a statement posted to his Twitter account.

The aim of the tax credit is to help low-income renters, so the value of the credit will decrease as household income rises, the Daily News reported. Renters earning more than $125,000 per year will not qualify for the credit, according to the report.

Harris introduced the tax credit program in July, 2018, calling the program the "Rent Relief Act." The proposed policy is also a part of her presidential campaign's housing platform.

Like Harris, Benjamin is also eyeing a different office while backing the legislation. The State Senator for New York's 30th District — which spans most of Central Harlem and parts of West Harlem, East Harlem, the Upper West Side and Washington Heights — is considering running in the 2021 election to be New York City's Comptroller.