News
Testimony: Formalizing the Street Vending Industry in Large Cities
Street vendors are New York State’s smallest businesses, and they are an essential part of New York City’s cultural ecosystem and economy. Nearly 20,000 entrepreneurs, primarily immigrants, people of color, military veterans and women, are engaged in street vending, many existing as part of a shadow economy of workers unable to acquire necessary business licensing to legitimize their business.
Press Release: CSS Report: Mass transit costs still a major financial burden for low-income New Yorkers as Fair Fares Program is yet to reach full potential
Fair Fares NYC, a program that provides half-priced subway and bus fares for New York City residents living at or below the federal poverty level, is a critical transit lifeline for New Yorkers struggling to get to work, school and essential appointments.
Mass Transit as an Economic Equalizer: The Case for Expanding and Investing in Fair Fares
Our mass transit system can be our city’s great economic equalizer, an engine for upward mobility, and a key to jumpstarting an inclusive recovery. It is more important than ever to strengthen Fair Fares and ensure eligible New Yorkers are enrolled.
Press Release: New CSS Report Calls for Ending Tax Abatement Subsidizing Luxury Housing and Little Else
CSS Housing Analyst Samuel Stein and CSS Senior Economist Debipriya Chatterjee argue that because 421-a is so expensive and ill-targeted to the city’s housing needs, and because previous efforts to rein in and refocus the program have failed, the best course of action is to let the program expire.
Governor’s Budget Includes Funding for Student Debt Consumer Assistance
Press Release: Advocates Applaud Governor Hochul’s Funding of EDCAP to Assist Student Loan Borrowers
The respective chairs of the State Senate and Assembly Banks committees today joined several nonprofit organizations who advocate on behalf of the 2.4 million New Yorkers struggling with student loan debt to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for including funding for EDCAP (Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program) in her executive budget.
Testimony: Fund Affordable, Supportive and Social Housing Across New York State
Our New Look: Powering an Equitable New York in 2022 and Beyond
CSS is excited to announce our bold new brand identity, one that will make our megaphone as powerful as possible. Our new logo, tagline, and colors reflect who we are in 2022 and where we’re heading, while continuing to draw on our more than 175-year fight for a New York where everyone lives with dignity and economic security.
Eviction Moratorium Has Ended: Albany Must Act Now to Prevent Homelessness Disaster
Press Release: CSS and CBC Release Comprehensive Report Analyzing Several Options for Closing State’s Health Insurance Coverage Gap
More than one million New Yorkers are uninsured; increasing the number of people insured would reduce morbidity and mortality and improve economic security.
Press Release: CSS President/CEO and MTA Board Member David R. Jones Applauds DA Alvin Bragg’s Decision Not to Criminally Prosecute Fare Evasion
Arresting and prosecuting individuals for fare evasion is a no-win situation. It does not appear to act as much of a deterrent and does not result in increased fare or fine collection. And – as Community Service Society research has shown – NYPD fare evasion enforcement has focused mostly on young people, primarily Black and brown men, who are saddled with indelible criminal records that can close doors to jobs, housing and full participation in the life of this City.
Testimony: Good Cause Eviction Brings Widespread Benefits to New York
According to our 2021 Unheard Third survey—the longest running scientific survey of low-income communities in the nation— 41 percent of low-income respondents lost employment income in their household during the pandemic, compared to 29 percent of those with moderate to higher incomes. Today, nearly 92,000 people across the state are homeless.