Gov. David Paterson
Governor David Paterson yesterday vetoed a bill that would have capped rents for HIV and AIDS patients at 30 percent of their income, saying that the state can’t afford the $20 million program. Paterson called the decision his “most difficult veto” but promised to sign the bill if the State Legislature makes $20 million worth of budget cuts to free up funds. While advocates for the city’s 10,000 residents suffering from HIV and AIDS predicted that the veto would force patients into homelessness, Mayor Michael Bloomberg called Paterson’s decision “difficult and wise,” adding that “this is not the time for unfunded mandates, no matter how well-intentioned.” [Post]
