ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)--MORE HOUSING VOUCHERS COULD BE HEADED TO THE HANDS OF HOMELESS AND HOUSING INSECURE NEW YORKERS.  

LEGISLATION IN ALBANY TRIES TO ESTABLISH THE HOUSING ACCESS VOUCHER PROGRAM. CURRENTLY HOUSING INSECURE NEW YORKERS CAN receive VOUCHERS THROUGH A FEDERAL HOUSING PROGRAM.  

BUT SOME LAWMAKERS SAid THE STATE NEEDS TO STEP IN. 

“But we think it's important that the state step up and expand that program so that people are not left homeless or really struggling as so many New Yorkers are,” said Sen. Brian Kavanagh (D-27th Senate District).

KAVANAGH SAid THIS LEGISLATION WOULD HELP PROVIDE ADDITIONAL VOUCHERS FROM THE STATE.  

HE SAid THEY ARE ASKING FOR $250 MILLION IN THE STATE BUDGET FOR THIS PROGRAM.  

SOME LAWMAKERS SAid THEY SEE THE legislation MOVING FORWARD THIS SESSION.  

“There’s so much support from every possible point of view in the housing realm from real estate people to the tenant activists to the homeless advocates. They all support this bill,” said Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal (D-Assembly District 67).

THE LEGISLATION IS CURRENTLY IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES.