Empire Justice Memo of Support: A.1406/S.4140- Protect the Homes of Welfare Recipients

New York is one of only two states in the nation that takes deeds and mortgages against the homes of welfare recipients to recover the public assistance paid to these homeowners. Read More

Empire Justice Memo of Support for Critical Legislation to Help Stop Foreclosures

The Governor’s Program Bill #46 responds to the continued rise in foreclosure filings by strengthening and extending to more homeowners critical protections that have been proven to ward off the unnecessary loss of homeownership. Read More

Empire Justice Memo on Federal Policy Recommendations to Help New York Homeowners

Subprime mortgage lending triggered the foreclosure crisis. Subsequent declines in the economy and in home values are increasing the risk of mortgage default and foreclosure. Following is a summary of the present outlook and most current proposed solutions taken from industry analysts, regulators, scholars and the media. Read More

United Way Lettter of Support for A6399c/S6350b - Sign the Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention Act Into Law

The United Way urges Governor Paterson to sign into law this legislation which will prevent thousands of New York’s children from being lead poisoned each year. Read More

The Children’s Defense Fund of NY Letter of Support for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention Act

This legislation would build upon existing programs to require the state to maximize its resources by targeting the areas in the state with the greatest number of lead poisoned children; creating and implementing local prevention plans that fit the needs and resources of impacted communities; and provide modest resources for property owners to address lead hazards in housing. Read More

Letter of Support - Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention Act

Approval of this bill (A.6399c/S.6350b) is critically important for New York State and especially for the children in the most impoverished sections of its urban areas. Read More

Alliance for Healthy Homes Letter of Support for Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention Act

The Alliance for Health Homes urges Governor Paterson to sign into law the Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention and Safe Housing Act of 2008. Read More

GRCRC Comments on KeyBank's 2008 CRA Exam

This comment letter will focus mainly on mortgage and small business lending with a small section on community development activities. Read More

GRCRC Comments on M & T Bank's 2008 CRA Exam

These comments focus M&T Bank’s HMDA lending, small business and SBA lending, and its response to community investment and service needs. Read More

Empire Justice Center Testimony on the Governor's Proposed Deficit Reduction Plan

In the Governor’s proposed Deficit Reduction Plan, several funding streams, are slated for substantial cuts that will not only undermine your commitment and the Assembly’s commitment to legal assistance, but will also result in INCREASED costs to the state. Read More

Empire Justice Center Testimony on Discriminatory Mortgage Practices in New York State

Testimony before the Assembly Standing Committee on Banks on discriminatory mortgage practices in New York State. Read More

Empire Justice Center Testimony at the joint legislative hearing on health in the Executive Budget

There is no question that the Governor’s Health Budget moves us in the right direction. Low-income New Yorkers across New York will see their access to public health coverage improve as a result of proposals to simpl Read More