Washington, D.C. – May 8, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Eliot Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement after he and other members of the New York Congressional delegation met with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“I want to thank the Mayor for meeting with the New York Congressional delegation so early in his term. Mayor de Blasio is off to an excellent start, and I want to give him credit where credit is due. He has released Superstorm Sandy housing funds to those who need it, expanded access to pre-kindergarten, and is addressing New York City’s affordable housing crisis.”
“Thousands of New Yorkers had their housing destroyed or damaged from Superstorm Sandy, including those in my Congressional district. I appreciate the Mayor’s efforts to ensure federal dollars are finally going to those who most need it to assist with their housing needs. That money needs to be used for Sandy victims first and foremost, and not diverted to other states.”
“Expanding access to early education is one of the best investments we, as a society, can make. Thanks to the Mayor’s efforts, all four-year-olds will have a chance to attend pre-kindergarten.”
“I grew up in public housing, so I am keenly aware of the dire need for more affordable housing. There’s a real affordable housing crisis in and around New York City. The Mayor is taking bold steps to address this issue. We cannot afford to lose working and middle class families who are vital to preserving our income and cultural make up.”
“I am hopeful this meeting is the first of many more to come. This enabled the Mayor and Congressional members to make sure we are all working together to benefit New Yorkers. Our first meeting laid the groundwork for a strong working relationship.”
