New York Governor Signs Legislation to Support Those With Disabilities

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to support New Yorkers with disabilities last Thursday, July 25th.

The new legislation will cover the cost of major home repairs that accompany handicap-accessible modifications to those who are a part of the Access to Home and Access to Home for Heroes programs. Those with disabilities in low and moderate-income households now will not have to worry about going deep into their pockets just to climb the steps to their house.

“Those living with disabilities face discrimination and additional barriers every day – it is crucial we do what we can to fix it,” Governor Hochul said. “Ahead of the anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act, I am signing this legislation because people with disabilities deserve to enjoy the rights and privileges that all New Yorkers do.”

This legislation permits home repairs to be financed with Access to Home and Access to Home for Heroes program funds, so long as the modifications are related to accessibility improvements and do not constitute over 60 percent of the cost. It also expands the real property tax for those with disabilities, and closes a loophole in the law that excluded many people from important benefits by reducing the barriers to affordable housing for those with disabilities.