State Assembly 33 Oster Bryan

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What type of housing do you currently live in?
Own a co-op, condo or private home
Are you, or have you ever been, a landlord?
No
1. If yes, where & how many apts. do/did you own?
Does your campaign accept contributions from real estate developers (including related individuals), corporate lobbyists, organizations that participate in the carceral system, and/or landlords?
No
Have you ever worked in, or had another affiliation with, the Real Estate industry? No
Have any of your campaign or advisory staff held a position as a corporate lobbyist or an executive role with the Real Estate industry?
No
1. If so, how can we be assured you will have tenants’ interests in mind? (250 characters)

Values and Vision

Do you believe housing is a human right?
Yes
- If so, what does that mean to you? (500 characters)
What type of action have you taken in the past around issues of housing justice? (500 characters)
We are very sensitive to issues surrounding gentrification and the displacement of members of the black community throughout the history of the United States (we believe education is the ultimate solution). We have advocated 1) to end the tax lien sale in NYC. 2) to fix the racist tax code that has members of my community paying higher tax rates than their neighbors in other communities 3) to protect the R-2 zoning my community voted for.
What do you think are the most pressing Housing issues & what action would you take to address them as a state representative? (1000 characters)
1) Home ownership has long eluded the African- American population of the United States, including New York City. Attaining the dream of home-ownership and then being able to keep the home in the family. In Southeast Queens this has been particularly true. The city overall needs to be made more affordable for it’s existing residents. 2) Additionally, housing needs to be more accessible. I recently read an article on Patch.com about a proposal to convert rundown apartments to Co-ops in Harlem which will cost only $2500 for purchase. I would advocate for an expansion of projects similar to this across the state. 3) The tax code inequities in NYC need to be corrected. I would advocate for property tax to be tied to property values. 4) I would advocate for legislation that would end NYC tax lien sales. 5) Renters are vulnerable to corrupt landlords. We need to make home ownership more accessible to prevent the displacement of vulnerable communities.
Have you or anyone close to you (relation, friend, etc) been evicted or been threatened with eviction?
Yes
Have you ever had to fight a landlord for repairs or faced harassment?
No
Do you believe that housing should be de-commodified?
Yes
- Please explain your answer (500 characters)
  Housing is a human right like water and air. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure access to housing for the most vulnerable of our population. Similar to education, housing should not be determined purely by market forces. Diversity in all forms make NYC the world’s most dynamic city. We need to have social protections to not only ensure housing but ensure healthy living environments. Access to affordable housing may be one of the few true measures of a functioning society. The drive to acquire wealth cannot come at the expense of everyday New Yorker’s ability to live in this great city.
Do you believe in publicly owned and controlled housing?
Yes
What is one rent and/or eviction protection you would enact if you had the opportunity? (500 characters)
I would consider capping rent increases to a combination of the inflation rates and income levels.
Do you agree that all evictions are bad?
No
- If no, why not? (500 characters)
  Evictions that involve abusive infringement on one’s neighbor’s space and/or rights would be justifiable evictions.
Do you support the concept of universal rent control?
Yes

Overview on Housing

Do you support the NYCHA 2.0 Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and other privatization schemes?
No
1. Please explain why or why not (250 characters)
  I oppose charter schools for the same reason. Public dollars in private hands with inadequate oversight is a breeding ground for corruption.
NYCHA has suffered from chronic underfunding, neglect, and disrepair. What do you see as the best strategies to rectify these problems? (500 characters)
The utilization of labor for within NYCHA to aid in the remedy of NYCHA infrastructure needs will have immeasurable added benefits such as strengthening community ties.
Do you support setting aside 15% of all units created in new state-subsidized affordable housing projects for homeless families and individuals?
Yes
How would you use your office to put pressure on landlords to make repairs and stop harassing tenants? (500 characters)
Yes, I vow the put an end to abusive through the use of affective legislation.
Do you support regulating the 300,000 deregulated rent-stabilized apartments?
Yes
Will you support increased funding and oversight hearings of DHCR’s Office of Rent Administration to ensure timely responses?
Yes
How will you ensure people who owe back rent due to COVID are not evicted and do not continue to owe money? (500 characters)
Yes, I would fight for more rental protections for those negatively impacted by COVID.
Would you support financial and criminal penalties against landlords and brokers that deny a prospective tenant housing based on using a tenant blacklist?
Yes

Current Bills and Campaigns

Do you support Good Cause Eviction Protections?
Yes
If Good Cause is not passed this session, what will you do to ensure it gets passed in 2023? (500 characters)
I would re-introduce the bill in 2023.
Will you support ending MCIs?
Yes
Will you commit to fully funding the Housing Access Voucher Program?
Yes
Do you support the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA)?
Yes
How will you support tenants in your district opting into TOPA? (500 characters)
I would ensure enforcement of TOPA.
Do you support the move to legalize basement apartments and ADUs?
No
Do you support tenants’ right to collective bargaining?
Yes
Do you support 421a or Gov Hochul’s proposed 485w?
No
Do you support fully funding the Excluded Workers fund?
Yes
Do you support the “Excluded No More” bill?
Yes
Are you committed to making sure every tenant in the state has free access to counsel in Housing Court?
Yes
Will you commit to fully funding statewide Right to Counsel in 2023’s budget?
Yes