Rally and Overnight Vigil Against
Rudy’s Rent Increases

Tuesday, June 13, 6-8 p.m./Dusk until Dawn Gracie Mansion, Front Entrance East 88 Street and East End Ave., Manhattan

Directions: By subway, take the 4, 5, 6 or any train to 86th Street, then walk to 88th & East End. By bus, take the M86 down 86th St. to 88th and York; or take the First Avenue bus (M15) to 88th St. and 1st Ave and walk east; or take the M31 down 57th (it starts at Broadway) and get off at 88th & York.

Bring sleeping bags, instruments, jackets, food and supplies if you plan to sleep over!

In every year since he took office, Rudy Giuliani’s Rent Guidelines Board has slammed thousands of rent-stabilized tenants with a “poor tax” of $15. The “poor tax” is a surcharge that is added to all stabilized rents of $500 or less, in addition to the standard renewal increases. The vast majority of people who get this surcharge are on a fixed income, and nearly 70% are Black or Latino. On June 22, the RGB will again vote on increases affecting rent-stabilized tenants, including the “poor tax.”

The RGB is proposing 4% and 6% increases on renewal leases (one and two years respectively) for all rent-stabilized tenants. In addition, it plans to once again clobber low-income tenants with the $15 “poor tax.” Giuliani, who lives rent-free in the elegance of Gracie Mansion, appoints all nine members of the board. The RGB’s suggested increases (the highest since 1996) come at a time when social services are sustaining heavy cuts and landlord profits are at an all-time high. It’s time to say “No More!”

Met Council on Housing (212) 693-0553, ext. # 6 e-mail: activemch@aol.com