East Fishkill Democratic Committee

Assembly Republicans turned their backs on their constituents today with heartless votes against a package of bills designed to offer assistance to homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages, said Assemblyman and Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee Chairman Ron Canestrari (D-Cohoes). 

“We have a very serious housing crisis on our hands. Many New Yorkers were duped by lenders into accepting mortgages with adjustable rates or taking loans they couldn’t afford and the result is they are losing their homes,” Canestrari said. “A vote against helping these homeowners is completely irresponsible and just plain cruel.

“For instance, Assemblyman George Amedore (R-Rotterdam) built his career and his fortune building big luxury homes. But now, when ordinary New Yorkers can’t pay their mortgages, Amedore voted against giving them assistance,” Canestrari said (A.10083-A, A.8972-A).

Canestrari noted that Amedore was not alone in voting against this critical legislation. “Some Long Island homeowners are under tremendous pressure from lenders. It’s inexplicable that Assemblyman Jim Conte (R-Huntington Station) voted against these measures that would help his constituents,” he said.

“And with the uncertain upstate economy, the last thing struggling homeowners need is the threat of losing their homes. Assemblymembers Will Barclay (R-Pulaski) and Brian Kolb (R-Canandaigua) are clearly not serving their constituents’ interests when they side with banks against homeowners.”  

The comprehensive plan passed by the Assembly establishes requirements on all home loans, provides information to all residential mortgage applicants and assists homeowners who are currently in default or foreclosure.

“We cannot ignore that the subprime lending crisis is destroying the lives of working families across the state,” Canestrari said. “We have a responsibility to help and protect the interests of people, not the interests of big banks.” 

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